MCLE and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) are collaborating to make annual basic public benefits advocacy training more accessible to the many public and private sector individuals and lawyers who assist Massachusetts residents in qualifying for and receiving public benefits.

The federal Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the first line of defense against hunger for thousands of Massachusetts residents. The state has implemented numerous policy changes and received federal approvals of waivers to both increase participation and increase the value of the monthly benefit. However, many individual households still struggle with getting their applications approved at overburdened local offices. Dealing with a food stamp office or getting emergency (expedited) benefits can be overwhelming for an unrepresented family or individual.

This training begins with an overview of the federal Food Stamp/SNAP program, the caseload dynamics over the years, and the major federal changes implemented in the past year. This program provides an introduction to the Food Stamp/SNAP program.