PrintThe majority of SNAP households are on “Simplified Reporting”. This means you do not have to report to DTA any changes most of the time.- except for when you have to do paperwork. (an Interim Report or a Recertification to keep your SNAP benefits.)
There are also times when you DO need to tell DTA about a change in between your reporting periods. The rules vary for different types of households.
Households without members age 60+ or disabled:
You only need to tell DTA when your household’s gross income goes over the monthly gross income limit for your household size. 1(link is external)06 C.M.R. § 366.110(C)(3). This includes if someone moves into your household with income that puts your household’s income goes over the limit.
Be sure to tell DTA by the 10th day of the month following the month your income went over the gross income limit. The gross income limit for your household is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level for your household size and should be listed on your approval notice. See Gross Income Chart in Appendix B.
Example
Selina is a single mom with one child on simplified reporting. Her SNAP was approved in January, so her Interim Report is due in June. Selina starts a second part time job in March earning $200/week. Her total monthly gross income from both jobs is below 200% FPL for her household. She does not need to report the second job until her Interim Report. However, in April Selina works more shifts and her gross income goes above 200% FPL. She needs to tell DTA by May 10th about this increase in income.
Households with members age 60+ and/or disabled
You only need to report changes when you fill out your Interim Report and Recertification form. You do not need to tell DTA about any changes in between these forms.
Reporting rules are different for some households where all members are seniors or persons with disabilities. See What is the Elder/Disabled Simplified Application Project (EDSAP)?
When to report other changes to DTA
You are not required to report other changes, but you may want to report some changes if it will help boost your SNAP. For example, you may choose to report to DTA when:
- Your income goes down,
- Someone without income moves into your home or you have a baby,
- Your shelter, childcare, or medical costs go up, or
- you start paying child support.
DTA is required to act on the information you report and increase your SNAP benefits if you are eligible for more. 106 C.M.R. § 366.110(C)(5)(a)(2).
Example: Suzyn and her 3 kids are on Simplified Reporting. Her employer reduces her hours. If Suzyn choses to report and verify the drop in earnings, DTA will recalculate and increase her SNAP benefits. Unless her income goes over the Gross Income level for her household, she is not required to report anything else until her Interim Report.
If the change you report results in your SNAP increasing to the maximum benefit amount, DTA should issue you a supplement for the month of the reported change. See How quickly will DTA increase my SNAP if my income decreases or my expenses increase?
If you send DTA pay stubs or other information that shows your income has gone up or your housing costs or other costs have gone down – even though you are not required to send it -- DTA may treat that information as verified and reduced your SNAP. See What happens when DTA receives information about me after my SNAP application is approved? See also 106 C.M.R. § 366.110(C)(5)(a)(1) If you move, see If I move, how do I report my new address?
DTA Online Guide: See Appendix G for links to the DTA’s BEACON Online Guide for this section.
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