On October 1, 2026, new federal rules took effect that make it harder for people to get and keep the SNAP benefits they qualify for. If you’ve lost your SNAP, or you’re afraid you’re about to, you are not alone; and you haven’t done anything wrong. Across Worcester County, our Partner Agencies are seeing more and more neighbors in exactly your position. Here’s what’s happening, and where to go to get help with SNAP or to apply.
These Organizations Are Here to Help
Since August, 2025, nearly 27,000 people in Worcester County have lost access to SNAP. Here’s where to find help.
When people lose SNAP, the ripple effects touches nearly everyone in the community. SNAP is one of the most effective anti-poverty tools we have. Not only does SNAP provide nine meals for every one provided by a WCFB Partner Agency, it’s also an economic multiplier. Every SNAP dollar spent generates $1.50 to $1.80 in economic activity in the community.
As a network of front line providers, we also know that every one of those “cases” is a person who now has less resources to buy food. But there are lots of amazing organizations helping.
- Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC): WCAC’s Resiliency Center offers monthly Resource Fairs and Community Days in Worcester and Southbridge where trained staff help people access a wide range of resources to support with rent, SNAP, heating and cooling, RAFT (housing), and many other benefits. They also bring together many providers who can help people resolve issues on the spot. WCFB will be attending upcoming Resource Fairs. Drop by and say hi!
- Mass Legal Help ABAWD Checklist Tool: USDA has changed the rules and work requirements for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). DTA makes every effort to exempt people who shouldn’t have to comply with the new work requirements, but sometimes they don’t have the information they need to make that decision. Mass Legal Help has created a simple online tool to help people determine whether any of the exemptions apply to them, and offers advice on how to give DTA the information they need.
- SNAP for College Students: Some of our Partner Agencies are seeing increased visits from college students, many of whom believe they do not qualify for SNAP because they’re in school. In fact, many college students do qualify. Mass Legal Help has compiled a FAQ to help college students determine if they may be eligible for SNAP.
- SNAP Benefit Calculators: Mass Legal Help also has updated their helpful SNAP Calculators to reflect the recent Cost of Living Adjustment. There are three versions of the tool that walk people through the steps in applying for SNAP and give them an idea of their likely monthly SNAP benefit amount.
- Healthy Incentives Program (HIP): SNAP users can get an extra $40 to $80 to use on fresh, local food at participating farmers markets and farm stands as long as they have at least $.01 (yes, that’s one cent) in their SNAP balance. Visit the link to learn more about HIP from the Regional Environmental Council and access Worcester area resources and then visit Growing Places to learn more about using HIP in North Central, Massachusetts.
Take Action: Stand with DTA Staff
In September, Governor Healey released a supplemental budget that includes $26 million to support current DTA staffing levels and hire 10 additional staff. While we appreciate that the governor’s budget avoids layoffs, we also recognize that the number falls woefully short of the number of SNAP caseworkers actually needed to comply with all the additional federal requirements and reduce the state’s error rates.
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute estimates that the state needs an additional 100 to 200 workers. Worcester County Food Bank is standing with Project Bread in asking State Representatives and Senators to make adequately funding DTA one of their priority issues when talking to leadership. They are hosting an online tool for anyone to send an email to their own elected reps urging them to make DTA staffing one of their priority issues.
DTA’s own numbers show that in the first half of the year, more than 70% of people calling the DTA Assistance Line were disconnected before reaching a caseworker because of understaffing. We believe DTA should never be forced to hang up on people who need help. If you feel the same way, you can add your voice by clicking the button below.
