Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Building icon
The .gov means it's official
Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.
Lock icon
This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that’s been signed by the U.S. government. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely.

Massachusetts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Benefit Categories >

Food stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), began in the United States in the late 1930's to help people buy and eat nutritious food, be stronger, and make up a more productive society. In 1971, the Food Stamp Program became a nationwide entitlement program. That means that as long as you meet the rules for SNAP, you have a legal right to get them. Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on the number of people in your household and how much income you have. To get SNAP benefits, households must meet certain tests, including resource (assets) and income tests.

Food stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), began in the United States in the late 1930's to help people buy and eat nutritious food, be stronger, and make up a more productive society. In 1971, the Food Stamp Program became a nationwide entitlement program. That means that as long as you meet the rules for SNAP, you have a legal right to get them. Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on the number of people in your household and how much income you have. To get SNAP benefits, households must meet certain tests, including resource (assets) and income tests.

To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Massachusetts and meet one of the following requirements:

  • You have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or
  • You have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 and share your household with one of the following:
    • A person or persons age 60 and over or
    • A person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself).

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)
Household Size*Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1$30,120
2$40,880
3$51,640
4$62,400
5$73,160
6$83,920
7$94,680
8$105,440

*For households with more than eight people, add $10,760 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

Apply online for Massachusetts SNAP.

Or, you may apply by mail or fax through this website and scroll to the heading that says "Apply by Mail or Fax" for the application and detailed instructions.

You may also request an application be mailed to you by calling 1-800-249-2007.

Apply for Massachusetts SNAP

For more information, visit the Massachusetts SNAP Benefits page.

If a member of your household is an elderly (age 60 or over) and/or disabled person, special rules apply in order to receive Food Stamps in Massachusetts. For more information, please contact the Department of Transitional Assistance at:
1-800-249-2007

1-877-382-2363

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Take our Benefit Finder questionnaire to view a list of benefits you may be eligible to receive.
Start Benefit Finder

Benefits.gov

Benefit Resources

Federal Government

Stay Connected

  • Follow us