The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also known as Food Stamps is a rather crucial support system for individuals and families with low income. SNAP helps citizens to put food on the table each month. To date, many eligible households are not receiving the maximum SNAP benefits that they qualify for.
Experts have stepped in and provided official guidance and suggestions for citizens to increase their monthly SNAP amount and get the most out of SNAP. While there are a few suggestions that citizens can employ, the right starting point to maximize SNAP benefits would be to report specific household expenses.
Start with reporting medical-related expenses
Citizens who have someone in their SNAP household that is aged 60 or older who receives a disability-based benefit could be eligible for a SNAP increase when they report their out-of-pocket medical expenses that are over $35 per month. When reporting medical-related expenses costs such as hospital bills, dental expenses, medications, medical transportation, and other unpaid bills, citizens should make sure these medical expenses are not reimbursed by insurance.
To report medical-related expenses, citizens should upload necessary documentation by using the DTA Connect website or mobile app. For SNAP households whose monthly expenses are under $190, citizens can confirm these payments by phone or online without needing to send in any documentation. However, for expenses over $190, citizens need to provide proof in the form of receipts, bills, or pharmacy statements.
The only time that medical-related costs could increase a citizen’s SNAP benefits is if they report these medical costs. Since many households overlook this option, they do lose out on the maximum SNAP benefits. To avoid losing out on SNAP benefits, citizens need to stay aware of all new SNAP payment dates and important changes too.
Also mention housing, childcare and support costs
Reporting should not stop at reporting medical-related expenses. SNAP benefits will increase if citizens report housing, childcare or child support costs too. Since these expenses directly affect a citizen’s household net income, it could make a considerable difference when calculating a person’s benefit level.
- Housing costs including rent, property taxes, condo fees, home insurance, and mortgage must all be reported. Any changes to rent amount should be reported to the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
- Childcare and disabled adult care expenses need also be reported. Working citizens who incur daycare expenses, babysitter expenses, or transportation expenses due to working and leaving children or disabled adults in the care of others need to report these expenses. These expenses can be proven by attaching a statement of these costs.
- Child support payments paid for children outside of the household can also count towards increasing SNAP benefits provided that citizens can provide the legal documentation such as court orders or custody agreements. These documents must be supported by proof of recent payments.
All information can easily be updated through DTA Connect or by calling the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363.
Using the right tools to stay informed with DTA
According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts official website, in addition to simply reporting costs or expenses, citizens can increase their SNAP benefits with special programs like the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). The HIP gives citizens extra money on their EBT card when they choose to use SNAP to buy local fruits and vegetables at HIP-approved farm vendors. All HIP vendors have been listed on the DTAFinder.
The key rule to maximizing SNAP benefits is to keep all information regularly updated. Citizens should update income and expense and submit supporting documents as they update changes to income or expenses. While reporting is vital, this process will only increase a citizen’s SNAP benefits if a citizen is not gaining the maximum amount.
Maximizing SNAP benefits doesn’t require much effort; however, it can make a huge difference to one’s monthly food budget. It is also important to remember that any changes to SNAP benefits could have a massive impact on many families.
