Summer EBT Communications and Support (2024)

INDEX

Notices (Back to Index)

For Summer EBT recipients and applicants, DTA will issue a Summer EBT Welcome Notice and either a Summer EBT Approval and/or Summer EBT Denial Notice.

Summer EBT Welcome Notice (Back to Index)

Streamlined Certification

DTA and Non-DTA clients that are automatically eligible for Summer EBT benefits via streamlined certification will receive a Summer EBT Welcome Notice. This notice:

• provides an introduction to the Summer EBT program and advises the client that no action is required on their part

• lists the children that have been approved for Summer EBT

• details the eligibility criteria for Summer EBT

• states that each child qualifies for $120

• identifies when their benefits will be paid

• indicates if their benefits will be paid to an EBT card or a Summer EBT card; and

• notifies clients that they can also participate in the Summer Eats Program.

Summer EBT Applicants

Non-DTA clients that apply for Summer EBT benefits will receive a Summer EBT Welcome Notice. This notice:

• informs the client that their application for Summer EBT benefits has been received

• provides an introduction to the Summer EBT program

• lists the children included on the Summer EBT application;

• explains that DTA will take 3-4 weeks to verify school enrollment;

• explains that their benefits will be paid to a Summer EBT card; and

• notifies clients that they can also participate in the Summer Eats Program.

Summer EBT Approval Notice (Back to Index)

If Summer EBT is approved, the applicant will be sent a Summer EBT Approval Notice. This notice:

• provides an introduction to the Summer EBT program;

• lists the child(ren) approved for Summer EBT;

• states that each child qualifies for $120 and lists the total benefit amount issued;

• details the eligibility criteria for Summer EBT;

• indicates if their benefits will be paid to an EBT or a Summer EBT card;

• provides information on how to PIN Summer EBT cards;

• informs the client that they have 122 days to access their benefits before they are expunged;

• advises the client how to Opt-Out of Summer EBT benefits;

• explains that children can only receive Summer EBT benefits from the state in which the child was last enrolled in school; and

• notifies clients that they can also participate in the Summer Eats Program.

Summer EBT Denial Notice (Back to Index)

If an application for Summer EBT is denied, the applicant will be sent a Summer EBT Denial Notice for one of the following denial reasons:

• Already received 2024 Summer EBT benefits

• Household’s countable income is over the limit for Summer EBT benefits

• Unable to Verify Enrollment in an NSLP/SBP school

• Does not meet the compulsory age for Summer EBT eligibility; or

• Incomplete Summer EBT application.

Hearings and Appeals (Back to Index)

If an applicant or client disagrees with a Department (DTA) action, they have the right toappeal. If a client requests anappeal, they will have a fair hearing.Appeals for Summer EBT will follow the same process as appeals for other DTA benefit programs, as outlined in Right to a Fair Hearing.

Text Messages and Email (Back to Index)

Clients will also receive text messages and emails when:

• a Summer EBT application is received;

• a Summer EBT card has been issued (this includes replacement cards);

• Summer EBT benefits are denied;

• Summer EBT benefits are deposited to the account; and

• benefits are 45 days prior to expungement.

Summer EBT Client Support & Resources (Back to Index)

DTA and Non-DTA Households are advised to contact theSummer EBT Hotlineat 855-425-8770 for any questions related to Summer EBT; however, if a client calls the DTA Assistance, you must assist the client with their inquiry.

If a client calls in to the DTA Assistance Line to discuss their Summer EBT case, you must review Summer EBT information in BEACON for DTA and Non-DTA clients. You can view case details, update case information, view benefit history, request replacement Summer cards, and write a narrative. For additional guidance seeSummer EBT Functionality in BEACON.

If a client calls in to the DTA Assistance Line because they wish to Opt-Out of Summer EBT, you must direct the Non-DTA client to destroy their Summer EBT card. For both DTA and Non-DTA clients that wish to Opt-Out of Summer EBT, you must advise them to contact the Summer EBT Hotline at 855-425-8770.

If a client calls because they do not know their child’s case number needed to PIN their Summer EBT card, or they need to request a new Summer EBT card, you can obtain their case details and complete replacement Summer EBT card requests in BEACON. For guidance on how to access Summer EBT details and how to complete Summer EBT replacement card requests seeSummer EBT Functionality in BEACON.

If a client calls in to inquire about the child’s school participation in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, a full list of participating schools is available at Mass.gov/info-details/summer-ebt-list-of-nslpsbp-schools.

Last Update: June 18, 2024