Code of Massachusetts Regulations
106 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE
Title 106 CMR 366.000 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): additional certification functions
Section 366.130 - Mass Changes
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
Certain changes initiated by the state or federal government may affect all or a significant portion of the caseload. These changes include, but are not limited to: annual adjustments to the maximum gross monthly income standards, maximum allowable monthly net income standards, the shelter deduction, the dependent care deduction, the standard deduction, the standard utility allowance deductions and the maximum monthly allotments; periodic cost-of-living adjustments in Social Security, SSI, and other federal benefits; periodic adjustments to PA grants; and other changes in the eligibility criteria based on legislative or regulatory amendments.
(A) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Changes. Federal adjustments to eligibility standards, benefit levels, income deductions, and adjustments to the standard utility allowance shall be publicized through the news media, posters in certification offices, issuance locations, or other sites frequented by certified households, or by mailing general notices to households. A notice of adverse action shall not be used for these changes. The household shall be notified of the change in accordance with 106 CMR 366.130(D).
(B) Changes to Grant Amounts of PA Households. When the Department makes an overall adjustment such as a cost-of-living increase to public assistance grants, including EAEDC, corresponding adjustments in the household's SNAP benefits shall be handled as a mass change. The household shall be notified of the change in accordance with 106 CMR 366.130(D).
If the Department has at least 30 days advance knowledge of the amount of PA adjustments, SNAP benefits shall be recomputed and the new monthly allotment will be effective in the same month as the PA change. If the Department does not have sufficient notice, the SNAP change shall be effective no later than the month following the month the PA change was made.
(C) Changes in Federal Benefit Payments. Changes in federal benefits, such as Social Security, SSI, and Veterans' Administration benefits, shall be treated as a mass change.
The Department shall be responsible for automatically adjusting a household's SNAP benefit level. The change shall be reflected no later than the second allotment issued after the month in which the change becomes effective. Households shall be notified of the change in accordance with 106 CMR 366.130(D).
(D) Notice for Mass Changes.