What is SNAP?

The Food Stamp Program is now called SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is a government assistance program to help low-income households buy food. SNAP food stamps can be used to buy almost any food item in any supermarket, convenience store, or other store where you usually shop for food. In Worcester, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is in charge of the SNAP food stamp program.

Am I eligible?

SNAP food stamps are for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens with limited incomes who buy food and make meals at home. People living in homeless shelters, battered women's shelters, and drug/alcohol treatment centers, and certain other group living arrangements are also eligible. If you, yourself, are not eligible, you can still apply for your children or other household members who are eligible.

SNAP food stamp households must meet income limits and other eligibility requirements. Some people must work to qualify for SNAP food stamps, while others are exempt from the work requirement.

Eligibility Check

The SNAP Food Stamps Eligibility Check on MassResources.org is an easy way for you to find out if you are likely to qualify for SNAP food stamps. After you answer a set of questions about your household, your living situation, your income, and your expenses, you will see the results of the eligibility check right away, on your computer screen.

What benefits will I get?

The amount of SNAP food stamps you can get depends on your household size, income, and expenses. You are expected to spend about 30% of your household income on food.

How do I apply?

There are several ways to apply for SNAP food stamps. You can apply at the Department of Transitional Assistance, 9 Walnut Street, Worcester, MA 01608, 508-767-3100, or at any Worcester outreach site.

You can also apply online using the Virtual Gateway Online Food Stamp Application, or you can download a copy of the application, fill it in at home, and send it to the DTA. See How do I apply? on MassResources.org for complete instructions. If you are eligible, you will get SNAP food stamps within 30 days.

How do I use SNAP food stamps?

The DTA will deposit your monthly SNAP food stamps benefits in an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) account. They will send you an EBT card to use at food store checkouts to pay for your food. Whenever you buy food with your card, your receipt will show the amount of money left in your account.

More information

More information about SNAP food stamps, including information about Bay State CAP, the H-EAT (Heat and Eat) Program, and the Store Owner's Guide, is on our statewide web site, MassResources.org. When you click on the link below, you will go to MassResources.org. Click "Back" on your browser to return to WorcesterResources.org.

•  Go to SNAP Food Stamps on MassResources.org

Worcester SNAP Food Stamp Outreach Sites

These agencies will submit your online application to the DTA, print out a summary of your information and the date and time you submitted it, and give you a checklist of the proofs you need to give to the DTA.