Can I use my EBT benefits out of state?

Produced by Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Reviewed March 2023

YES! You have a right to use your SNAP in all 50 states. SNAP is a federal program that is “interoperable” between states. 7 C.F.R. § 274.8(b)(10) Many SNAP recipients live near and shop in border states – such as New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York. Often some of the large grocery stores are closer and/or cheaper.

If you are temporarily in another state or states, you can also use your SNAP benefits while out of state. The Massachusetts DTA should not assume you have abandoned your MA residency or threaten to close your SNAP case solely because you are shopping out of state.  

Contact MLRI at [email protected](link sends e-mail) if you lost SNAP because DTA asked you to re-prove your residency when you were temporarily out of state.

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