The Federal Food Stamps program is a nutrition program for families and individuals that meet certain income and resource guidelines. Food Stamp benefits help you buy nutritious food for your family. You can work and still qualify for Food Stamps. If you qualify for Food Stamps you can use these benefits to purchase food at most grocery stores, convenience stores and food markets.

Food Stamp benefits are accessed with an Electronic Benefits Card, (EBT). These cards are used the same way you would use a debit or ATM card. Food Stamps can be used to buy any food product except alcohol, pet food or heated foods.

Populations Served

Families and individuals that meet certain income and resource guidelines. Eligibility Criteria: Food stamp eligibility depends on household size, assets, income and certain living expenses.

Find out if you might be eligible.

There are several ways to apply for Food Stamps. To apply you may:

1. Go to the Department of Transitional Assistance Office, (DTA) that serves your neighborhood of Boston. Office Location Listing



2. Print an application provided here. English, (PDF) - Spanish, (PDF)



3. Complete the application and mail or fax it to the Department of Transitional Assistance Office that serves your city or town.



4. Call the Department of Transitional Assistance Application Information Unit at 1-800-249-2007 and ask that an application be mailed to you.



5. Print an application or get more info on how to apply for food stamps by going to Project Bread's website: www.gettingfoodstamps.org Most people can apply for food stamp benefits by mail. The application is simple. After we receive your application, your local DTA office will contact you for an interview which can usually be completed over the phone.

When your application is processed, you will have to verify your income and certain expenses, such as rent, mortgage or other household expenses.

Contact Information

Department of Transitional Assistance
600 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111

Telephone: 800-249-2007
TTY: 617-348-5599
Fax: Varies by office
Languages: All languages are accommodated either by staff or interpreter services.
Transitional Services to your neighborhood, (PDF).

Please call 1-800-249-2007 for additional information.