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Boston — Food benefits adjusted to reflect annual cost of living and promote food security starting in October
BOSTON – Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced that approximately 550,000 Massachusetts households who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see an increase starting in their October 2022 benefits. In response to the annual cost of living adjustment, SNAP benefits will increase 12%, with Massachusetts households receiving an average monthly increase of $25-$30.
Every year, the federal government adjusts SNAP benefit amounts to keep pace with inflation. In addition, SNAP benefit levels are determined in part by the average cost of utilities for Massachusetts households. This summer, the Commonwealth requested and received approval from the federal government to adjust heating costs used to determine SNAP benefit amounts, reflecting the regional rise in the cost of utilities. This change will be reflected in the SNAP benefit amount increases starting October 1, 2022.
“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to leverage every opportunity to tackle food insecurity and maximize federal nutrition programs,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “Increasing SNAP benefit amounts to reflect residents’ cost of living, in addition to continuing SNAP Emergency Allotments and implementing free school meals for all Massachusetts students this year, represents the Administration’s ongoing commitment to combating hunger across the Commonwealth.”
“SNAP is a critical tool in providing individuals and families with the financial power to buy food that meets their households’ cultural and nutritional needs. It also plays an important role as an economic stabilizer, providing an influx of federal dollars into the state’s economy, supporting our grocery stores, corner stores, local farms, and other food retailers,” said Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan. “The increase in monthly SNAP benefit amounts will support the vital food security of many low-income households across the Commonwealth and the communities in which they live, learn, and work.”
At this time, residents will continue to also receive the temporary extra, pandemic-related SNAP emergency allotments. SNAP emergency allotments are available at the beginning of each month and bring people’s benefit up to at least the maximum amount for their household size, with a minimum payment of $95 a month. DTA will notify residents when these temporary payments end. These payments have been available since March 2020, bringing over $90 million of federal funds into the local economy each month.
Residents can check their SNAP eligibility and apply online at www.DTAConnect.com or on the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363 (press 7). SNAP is not considered in a public charge test. If one is not a US citizen or eligible immigrant, it is safe for them to get SNAP for an eligible family member (like a US citizen child). Currently, households are temporarily receiving increased SNAP benefit amounts and it is now easier than ever to apply.
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