Massachusetts SNAP

Massachusetts SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) helps low-income people and families in Massachusetts with cash assistance to buy a month’s worth of healthy food.

As a condition of eligibility, all adult SNAP recipients must meet the general SNAP work rules or the ABAWD work rules unless otherwise exempt. ¹

ABAWDs ages 18—64 must comply with special work rules or they will be subject to a three-month time limit on SNAP receipt.

FAQ

Who is eligible for SNAP in Massachusetts?

In order to qualify for SNAP, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Live in Massachusetts
Be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident
Show proof of identity
Meet certain income guidelines

What is the income limit for food stamps in Massachusetts?

The monthly income limit for most households in Massachusetts is 200% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, this is about $4,442 per month.

Family Size	100%Net Income	200%Gross Income
1	$1,304	$2,608
2	$1,763	$3,525
3	$2,221	$4,442
4	$2,679	$5,358
5	$3,138	$6,275
6	$3,596	$7,192
7	$4,054	$8,108
8	$4,513	$9,025

Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Gross income limit applies to most households, except when at least one member is age 60 or older or receives disability income; in these cases, only the net income test applies.

Are you eligible for SNAP?

Find out if you may qualify and get an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.

There is no asset test required for SNAP eligibility. The easiest way to find out if you are eligible is to use this online screening tool .

How much do I get on SNAP in Massachusetts?

DTA determines your monthly SNAP benefit level by subtracting 30% of your net income from the highest SNAP amount you can get based on your household size.

For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $785 in monthly benefits or $485 each month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

Family Size	SNAP Benefits
1	$298
2	$546
3	$785
4	$994
5	$1,183
6	$1,421
7	$1,571
8	$1,789

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate the amount of benefits you can expect to receive.

What is the Healthy Incentives Program in Massachusetts?

In addition, families who receive SNAP benefits can automatically participate in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) to buy local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors — up to $80 a month depending on household size.

For example, if you buy a head of broccoli sold by a participating HIP vendor for $5, another $5 will be added to your account automatically and can be spent on any future SNAP eligible purchase. ²

How do I apply for food stamps in Massachusetts?

To apply for SNAP benefits, you may go to DTA Connect to submit your application online. An interview will then be arranged to determine your eligibility. If eligibility is confirmed, you’ll receive your first benefits no later than 30 days from the date of your application.

Those who have less than $150 per month in income and $100 or less in cash may request for Emergency SNAP and have their first benefits within 7 days.

For more information about Massachusetts SNAP, please call
Department of Transitional Assistance
(877) 382-2363

You can meet the work rules through the SNAP Path to Work program. For more information, call (888) 483-0255. ↩
Find a participating HIP vendor who offers shopping in person near you. ↩