Click on the following sections to get updated information and resources:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP benefits are being impacted by the recent federal shutdown and the implementation of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, which passed back in July.
You can find even more information at
Mass.gov/SNAPupdates.
Impacts of the Shutdown
During the shutdown, November SNAP benefits were delayed because the Trump Administration refused to fund them even though they had funding to pay at least partial benefits. On November 9th, an appeals court ruled that the federal government must issue full SNAP benefits for November. Based on previous court rulings (read more about these in a previous blog), Massachusetts was already moving to issue full benefits to recipients and is continuing to do so while the federal government is in the process of voting on a budget that will end the shutdown.
If you receive SNAP, here's what you should know:
- SNAP households who missed payments last week now have full, active balances on their EBT cards that are immediately available for them to use.
- The remaining SNAP households should get their full November SNAP during the week of November 10-14 on their normal date this week, barring further action by the Trump Administration
- HIP continues to be available for households with balances on EBT cards (even $0.01) and have not used their November HIP allotment.
- DTA is closely monitoring the actions of the Trump Administration and the courts, and will work quickly to ensure benefits are made available as soon as possible.
If you recently applied for SNAP benefits, DTA has temporarily paused the sending of SNAP benefits to newly approved SNAP applicants pending legal clarification. This is because the Trump Administration told States to stop issuing full benefits for November after the Supreme Court ruling.
Impacts from One Big Beautiful Bill
Starting November 1st, new eligibility and work requirements go into effect:
- Certain non-citizens will no longer be eligible when they go to apply or recertify.
- People will need to meet the Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work rules. This includes parents with teens 14+, homeless individuals, veterans, and people up to 65. This will cause confusion and burden for many. If you have questions about these new rules, contact the Food Bank of Western MA's SNAP Outreach Team (call 413-992-6204).
Available Food Resources
If you need help getting food for you or your family, you can use the following resources:
- Call or text the Project Bread Food Source Hotline at 800-645-8333 to get immediate help. The Hotline is available Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm, and Saturday, 10am–2pm.
- Find your local food pantry. Food pantries are committed to serving those in need in their community. Many do not require eligibility or documentation.
- Go to 413Cares.org. Enter your zip code and search for “Food Pantry”. Watch the video below to learn how to use 413Cares.
- Use the Food Bank’s Food Finder map.
- DTA offices remain open to provide other services.
- Find more food information and resources on 413Cares Food Resource page.
Fuel Assistance (HEAP)
Fuel Assistance programs continue to be impacted by the shutdown of the federal government. Since November 1st, no funding has yet to be authorized for HEAP - Heating and Energy Assistance Program (formerly LIHEAP). This has stopped programs from providing full assistance and will also cause delays in paperwork (application processing, approval letters, etc.).
HEAP programs will only have limited funds for heat emergencies until additional federal funding is available. Heat emergencies include:
- No heat or fuel.
- Less than 1/8 of a tank of oil or 20% tank of propane.
- Less than three days supply of deliverable fuels.
- Shut-off notice from an electric or natural gas heat source utility.
Learn about the latest updates in the FAQ flyer from Community Action Pioneer Valley below. Contact your local HEAP program for more information.
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