SNAP Benefits Alert for November 2025

• The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) allows families to spend $40, $60, or $80 a month (depending on household size) at participating farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and CSA programs. You will only be able to access your HIP benefit IF you have at least $0.01 left on your EBT card. However, if you have spent all your SNAP funds you will NOT be able to access your HIP benefit. This folder has a list of winter farmers markets in Boston where you can redeem your HIP incentives (available in multiple languages).
• Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) is not impacted by the federal shutdown.
• Emergency Aid to the Elderly Disabled and Children (EAEDC) is not impacted by the federal shutdown.
• Meals for Boston Public Schools students: School meals are still available at no cost to BPS students. Breakfast and lunch are provided at all BPS schools, and many school sites have in-school and after-school snack programs. 

• The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) allows families to spend $40, $60, or $80 a month (depending on household size) at participating farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and CSA programs. You will only be able to access your HIP benefit IF you have at least $0.01 left on your EBT card. However, if you have spent all your SNAP funds you will NOT be able to access your HIP benefit. This folder has a list of winter farmers markets in Boston where you can redeem your HIP incentives (available in multiple languages).
• Home Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) offers nutritious food and wellness checks for the homebound will continue to be available. 
• Older adults can also attend Community Meal Sites. These are free lunches provided in a social setting for older adults (60+) and their spouses. These programs are coordinated by the following providers:
  • Ethos
    • Meals offered: Diverse menu options including American, Caribbean, Vietnamese, Italian, Vegetarian, and Kosher meals.
    • To register for meals call (617) 522-6700 or visit the Ethos website.
  • Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center
    • Meals offered: Hot culturally appropriate Chinese meals made fresh daily.
    • To register for meals call (617)357-0226 or visit the Chinese Golden Age Center Website.

A federal court has ruled that the USDA must release all November EBT funds. The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance is working on releasing the funds as soon as possible. Details will be provided on the DTA website as soon as they develop.

Yes. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), which runs SNAP in MA, is still processing new applications, but benefits won't be issued until funding is provided.

DTA Offices will be open and available to answer questions. For hours of operation, please visit the links below.

• DTA Jackson Square Transitional Assistance Office
  • 1785 Columbus Ave , Boston, MA 02119
• DTA Nubian Square Transitional Assistance Office 
  • 2201 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
• DTA Quincy Transitional Assistance Office
  • 1515 Hancock Street, Suite 105, Quincy, MA 02169

Older adults (60+) can call the DTA Senior Assistance line: 833-712-8027

DTA Connect may not list the current balance starting in November. To check your balance, call the phone number on the back of your EBT card.

Yes. The Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) is state funded and will still be available in the month of November. As long as you still have $0.01 left on your EBT card and the vendor processes HIP, there are no additional steps to utilize this benefit.  HIP gives SNAP recipients additional money every month, based on household size, to purchase local fresh fruits and vegetables from participating retailers.

Not all SNAP retailers process HIP so use the DTA finder to locate your closest participating store. This folder has a list of farmers markets in Boston with vendors that accept HIP (available in multiple languages).

Yes. Any funds on your EBT card from October or earlier can still be used.

No. SNAP is not being eliminated. The delay in benefits for SNAP recipients is a result of the federal government shutdown. Once the federal government shutdown ends, you will receive all delayed benefits in full.

No. Retailers can continue to process SNAP purchases as long as there are funds on customer EBT cards.

No. There will be no impact to these programs for the month of November.