What information can I self-declare?

Produced by Patricia Baker and Victoria Negus, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Reviewed January 2020

You can self-declare the following information for SNAP eligibility:

  • Your household composition – for example, if you live with others but purchase and prepare most of your food separately.
  • The U.S. citizenship of any household member.
  • Your date of birth.
  • Your shelter expenses such as your rent or homeownership costs, and the type of utilities you pay for.
  • Your child care or adult dependent care expenses.

See a list of SNAP verifications at application:106 C.M.R. §§ 361.610

DTA should accept your self-declaration unless DTA determines the information is questionable. See What if DTA does not accept the proofs I sent them? You can write down this information on your SNAP Application, Recertification or Interim Report forms. You can also send DTA a written statement that you sign and date, or report certain by uploading them to your case through DTA Connect. See Appendix C Dependent Child Care Deduction and Sample Declaration and Appendix C Sample Declaration of Shelter Costs.

DTA Online Guide: Cross Programs > Verifications > Verifications Overview > Signatures on Verifications


Links


106 C.M.R. §§ 361.610 => www.mass.gov/files/documents/2017/09/12/106cmr361.pdf
Signatures on Verifications => eohhs.ehs.state.ma.us/DTA/PolicyOnline/%21SSL%21/WebHelp/X_Prog/Verifications/Verification_Overview/Signatures.htm