The College Student Hunger Act Of 2019
Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Al Lawson introduced The College Student Hunger Act of 2019 on July 17, 2019, in an attempt to extend SNAP benefits for college students in need. The idea was to include both Pell Grant-eligible students and independent students. Warren and Lawson both believe that students have a right to both food and education, and the goal was to alleviate financial tension. This bill has been endorsed by several organizations including Bread for the World. Specifically, the Act would allow Pell-Grant eligible and independent students to qualify for benefits, lowers the 20 hours/week work requirement to 10 hours/week, and requires the Department of Education to notify Pell Grant eligible students of their SNAP eligibility. The student hunger pilot program will test different ways students can use SNAP benefits such as directly at the dining hall or indirectly to help pay for student meal plans.
Icipate In An Interview
Once your application has been received, a caseworker from the Department of Transitional Assistance will call you to conduct an interview over the phone. Your caseworker is the person you will work with and send updates to until your application is complete.
*Interviews are currently being waived during the pandemic. Interviews are only required at this time if you do not submit all of the necessary paperwork
Massachusetts Snap Benefits Expands Online Purchases
https://www.map-ebt.org/
BOSTON Governor Bakers administration announced Wednesday that those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can use their benefits to buy food items online from additional stores.
Recipients are now able to use services provided by apps like Instacart to obtain groceries from Price Chopper, ALDI and newly added Stop & Shop and Hannaford. Those using SNAP benefits were already able to use delivery and same-day pick up from federally approved retailers Amazon and Walmart.
Since first launching the online purchasing program in late may of 2020, Massachusetts residents have spent over $75 million in SNAP benefits in online grocery purchases across retailers.
As a result of the economic fallout of COVID-19, the Commonwealth has seen a historic increase in SNAP participation, with 100,000 more households now utilizing the program for a total of approximately 550,000 households, said Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Amy Kershaw.
Those utilizing the program can enter their SNAP EBT information directly into the Instacart app as a form of payment. Once items are added to their cart, customers will be able to select how much of their benefits they would like to allocate to the order.
SNAP benefits many only be used to purchase eligible food items. The benefits cannot be used to cover fees like the cost of delivery.
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What If I Do Not Get Snap
If you are low-income we encourage you to apply. If you are approved, you may also qualify for an extra SNAP payment. To apply:
- The fastest way to apply is to apply online/on your smartphone at DTAConnect.com
- Go to Mass.gov/SNAP to print a paper SNAP application and learn where to send it.
- Or, call the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 to apply over the phone.
- Go in person to a DTA office.
Snap Benefits Will Increase To All
The average federal nutrition assistance benefit is set to increase by about $36 per person per month in October, the result of adjustments based on food prices, dietary habits and guidance, and nutritional information.
A 2018 farm bill directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to re-evaluate its Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to calculate benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, by 2022 and every five years afterward.
The USDA released its re-evaluated plan on Monday, saying the new version includes more fish and red and orange vegetables along with a modest increase in calories to reflect the latest data and support an active lifestyle.
The department said its evaluation found the cost for a nutritious, practical, cost effective diet is 21 percent higher than the current Thrifty Food Plan. When the new federal fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, the average SNAP benefit will increase by $36.24 per person per month, or $1.19 per day, excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief efforts.
USDA estimates show that total SNAP benefits in Massachusetts stand to increase by $428 million under the new plan, to a projected $2 billion.
Congressman Jim McGovern said work to end hunger is still just beginning, calling for a White House conference on food, nutrition, hunger and health.
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Get Cash Back With A Purchase
Combine your purchase at a store with cashback service. There are no fees. Look for the Quest® decal with the dollar sign and:
Where Can I Apply For Food Stamps
Department of Transitional Assistance
Town of Plymouth, Massachusetts 26 Court St., Plymouth, MA 02360 PH: 508-747-1620 FAX: 508-830-4062Town Hall Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m | Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.mIssues threatening public safety or things needing immediate attention after hours, and on weekends / holidays, should be reported directly to the Plymouth Police Non-Emergency Line at 508-830-4218, including: downed wires and tree limbs broken water mains used needles traffic signals / stop signs roadway flooding / icing sewer overflow etc.
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Withdraw Cash From A Store
You can withdraw cash from stores displaying the Quest® decal with the dollar sign . There are no fees. You don’t need to make a purchase. Simply:
How And Where To Use The Snap Benefits
When approved, SNAP beneficiaries will get Electronic Benefits Transfer cards. The beneficiaries can use their cards at any Massachusetts SNAP grocery stores and farmers markets that are authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture . With their EBT Card, food stamp recipients can buy any food to be eaten at home by people, including baby food, non-alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. Allowed are also seeds and plants to grow food for the familys consumption. Non-grocery items such as cleaning products, pet food, paper products, alcohol, or tobacco are not allowed.
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How To Renew Your Food Stamps In Massachusetts
Eventually, enrollees will need to consider if they want to submit a Massachusetts food stamps renewal form. This is an important decision for petitioners who would like to continue collecting SNAP benefits once their initial claim periods are positioned to expire. In order to complete this step, current enrollees will need to renew food stamps online or by filling out and submitting paper applications to the state department. In any case, petitioners must be sure that they turn in their documents before their present claims expire. Being mindful about this deadline is one of the best ways for enrollees to ensure they do not experience temporary losses in food stamps coverage.
When petitioners decide to submit an MA food stamps renewal application, they will need to ensure that they provide the department with updated information regarding their households eligibility statuses. Claimants need to supply their SNAP representatives with information relating to any major changes that occurred in their homes since they last applied for benefits. For example, petitioners will need to provide information relating to any changes in their households total income levels. Candidates who submit a SNAP renewal also need to inform the department if anyone moved into or out of their homes.
Find Out If You Are Eligible
When you call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline, our counselors will pre-screen you for SNAP to determine if you are eligible.
Here is what you can expect:
SNAP prescreens are a way for the FoodSource Hotline to determine a households eligibility status before applying for benefits. The more information callers have available when they call can help the pre-screen process go quicker. It is helpful for the callers to have on hand:
- Total household income- i.e. earnings, unemployment, disability benefits, child support, etc.
- Monthly household expenses- Rent, mortgage, property taxes, home insurance .
- Other expenses that can be counted- Child support if there is a legal obligation to be paid out for a child/children that are not part of the SNAP household, childcare expenses , medical expenses only counted for seniors or households receiving a form of government disability benefits.
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I Need Food Assistance Now It Is An Emergency
Some households may get Expedited Services that is getting Food Stamp Benefits within 7 calendar days if your household has less than $150 in monthly gross income and liquid resources of $100 or less or your rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your households combined monthly income and liquid resources, or a member of your household is a migrant or seasonal farmworker. In order to get expedite assistance, if you qualify for it, provide all the required information and proof as soon as possible. Call 1-877-382-2363 for more information on Massachusetts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
How To Get Free Admission With Ebt Cards In Massachusetts
Massachusetts has more EBT discounts than almost any other state . This list seems to get longer and longer, so weve decided to organize it by region, and then alphabetically by city and venue.
Before we begin, though, there are a few things you need to know.
There are two main programs that organize EBT discounts in MA. TheEBT Card to Culture program is an amazing Massachusetts partnership that only benefits MA food stamps cardholders. The nationwide Museums for All program provides admission for everyone with EBT cards from all 50 states, so weve used green titles for these museums.
Out-of-state EBT cards can be used at certain venues. Any organization with a green title has been identified as a Museums for All participant or an organization that accepts EBT cards from any state. If youre just visiting and have an out-of-state card, be sure to look for the green headings.
You cannot pay for admission with your EBT card. It is important to remember that you cannot pay for admission with your MA food stamps card. You will show the EBT card to receive the discount but you will need to pay the remaining admission price, if any, in cash or with a credit/debit card.
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Massachusetts Snap Household Statistics
The United States Department of Agriculture administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program . This program, previously known as food stamps, is designed to help guarantee low-income households and individuals access to a basic level of nutrition.
In Massachusetts and throughout the country, SNAP households are a major focus of the American Community Survey , conducted each year by the U.S. Census Bureau. A household in Massachusetts is a group of people living in a house, apartment, or other housing unit. Households may be family households or non-family households.
Unlike the Census, which is an exact count of people and households every ten years, ACS statistics are estimated based on a representative survey sample. Note that the data in this article is presented as counts of households, not of individuals.
Online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Navigating the sign-up process for SNAP, or Food Stamps, can be a confusing process, causing frustration and leaving families to avoid the process altogether. CFCs SNAP Assistance is here to help guide you through the sign-up and answer any questions you may have along the way.
SNAP Assistance improves access to SNAP benefits for low-income households. CFC personnel assist applicants complete and transmit applications to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and work to follow-up with clients after completion.
Program Details:
Eligibility: Eligibility is based on such factors as monthly income, household size, and housing costs. The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance makes the final decision on eligibility in accordance with their guidelines.
Documentation Needed: The usual documentation includes proof of identity, proof of MA residency as well as proof of income for the past 30 days/ 4 weeks. Optional documentation for those who are over 60 / disabled are receipts for medical expenses.
Application Process: CFC case workers take applications over the phone or by appointment in the office.
Criteria for Selection: These are determined by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance.
Service Area: The program currently services the Greater Fall River and Taunton areas.
Fall River Office
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You Also Have A Right To:
- Have your application accepted by the Department of Transitional Assistance right away. Only your name, address, and signature need to be complete in order for the DTA to accept your application.
- Apply if you are a child by having an adult you trust apply for you as your Authorized representative.
- Have your SNAP application processed within 30 days after you apply and get expedited SNAP benefits with seven days if you meet the guidelines.
- Apply if you are homeless.
- Prove your income, expenses, and identity in more than one way.
- Receive an interpreter from the DTA.
- Get a written letter telling you whether or not you can get SNAP, how much you will get, and how long the benefits will last.
- Be treated with dignity, consideration, and respect, and to be treated without discrimination due to race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religious creed, or political belief.
- Appeal any DTA decision you disagree with by calling Fair Hearings at 1-800-882-2017.
For more information contact Project Breads FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
How Do I Apply For Snap
There are several options for applying. Only one member of the households needs to apply for the total household, but everyone living in the household needs to be included on the application along with their income. Most states provide an online application to start the process. See the States website section for a link to your states website. If your state does not provide an online application or you do not have access to a computer, you can go to your local state or county office to apply.
As part of the application process, you will need to go to your local state or county office for a face-to-face interview. If you are not able to go to the local office or apply online, you can designate an authorized representative. This is someone you give authority to represent you. You have to designate the person in writing to be official. This person can be a friend or relative.
The entire process generally involves filling out an application, going in for a face-to-face interview, and providing verifications for needed information such as income, residency, and expenses. If because of age or disability, an applicant is unable to go to the office and cannot appoint a representative, the interview may be waived at the discretion of the local office. However, if the interview is waived, the applicant will have to have a phone interview or consent to a home visit instead.
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