Details on Food Stamps for SSI Recipients

As reported last month, under a new program called Bay State CAP (Combined Application Project), some 67,000 Massachusetts residents who receive SSI will automatically receive food stamp benefits either now or in the fall. Further details are now available.

Benefits:

Bay State CAP may provide more benefits than regular food stamps. In many case those with low shelter expenses (usually in subsidized housing) get just $10 a month in regular food stamps. The minimum benefit under Bay State CAP is $38 a month, and up to $149 a month.

Eligibility:

• Receiving or eligible for SSI
• Live alone OR live with others, but buy and prepare most food separately OR are homeless (even if living in a shelter)
• Do not live with a spouse or children under age 22
• Do not have earned income

Applicants are not required to have cooking facilities. Bay State CAP may also be used for elder communal meal sites and Meals on Wheels.

If not eligible for Bay State CAP, anyone can still apply for regular food stamps.

Process:

Those on SSI will receive three different mailings- 1. explanatory letter, 2. EBT card (electronic benefits transfer- like a Food stamps debit card) with two months of benefits available immediately and 3. a letter with the PIN number that allows the user to use the card.

The EBT cards must be used within 45 days to confirm enrollment in the program. Once used, the benefits will be automatically extended for an additional 34 months.

Those who live alone should be receiving the mailings immediately (the letter will be dated June 24, 2005). Those who live with someone else will start receiving their mailings in the fall.

Maximizing Benefits:

Eligible clients can chose between Bay State CAP and regular food stamps. Those with shelter costs of more than $450 per month may be eligible for higher Bay State CAP benefits. They should watch for a letter from DTA explaining how to report these expenses.

Particularly if the client has high shelter expenses, pays child support or has out-of-pocket medical expenses, she or he should talk with a legal services or other knowledgeable advocate to see which program would maximize his or her benefits.

If a client doesn’t get the mailings:

Remember that those who live with someone else will not get their letters until the fall. If a mailing is not received when it is due, contact the local SSA Claims Representative and ask about Bay State CAP.

For a copy of patient handouts, please contact the Community Resource Center- Ellen Forman, LICSW.

For further information: DTA Food Stamp Hotline 866-950-FOOD, Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline 800-645-8333 or a local legal service office.

-Adapted from “67,000 Massachusetts SSI Recipients To Receive Food Stamps- the end of June and in the Fall!”, Mass. Law Reform Institute newsletter, June 2005.

06/2005