Product Description

The federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly called Food Stamps) remains the first line of defense against hunger for about one in seven Massachusetts residents (over 1.1 million individuals, 67,000 Massachusetts households). Families and individuals often struggle with getting their SNAP applications and recertifications approved. Collecting all the required proofs and getting through the application process can be overwhelming for an unrepresented household. Some of the most challenging cases involve the rules for immigrant-headed households. Special rules also apply to households with older adults and persons with disabilities.

The training includes an overview of the SNAP program, an update on federal and state SNAP changes, and an in-depth look at the nuts and bolts of SNAP eligibility, benefit amount, online tools, troubleshooting, and appeal rights. This training is designed for legal services advocates, food pantry and food bank staff, social services and health services workers, and community activists who want to learn about the basic SNAP rules and advocacy tips.

ABOUT BASIC PUBLIC BENEFITS ADVOCACY TRAININGS

MCLE and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) collaborate annually with a training series designed for both community-based organizations and public/private sector legal advocates who assist low income Massachusetts residents. The training series covers the nuts and bolts of federal and state public benefits, tax credits, tenant and utilities rights and more.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30am - 9:35am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Patricia J. Baker, MLRI , Boston
  Victoria Negus, MLRI , Boston
  
• 9:35am - 10:00am

  Overview of SNAP and What Is at Risk in 2026

  Patricia J. Baker, MLRI , Boston
  
• 10:00am - 10:30am

  SNAP Household Composition Rules

  Patricia J. Baker, MLRI , Boston
  
• 10:30am - 11:00am

  Specific Populations: Immigrants, Students, ABAWDs

  Patricia J. Baker, MLRI , Boston
  
• 11:00am - 11:10am

  Break
• 11:10am - 11:25am

  SNAP Math and Benefit Amounts

  Victoria Negus, MLRI , Boston
  
• 11:25am - 11:40am

  Getting On: Applications, Interview, Verifications

  Victoria Negus, MLRI , Boston
  
• 11:40am - 11:55am

  Staying On: Reevaluations, Reporting Changes

  Victoria Negus, MLRI , Boston
  
• 11:55am - 12:10pm

  Client Rights: Language Access, Disability Accommodations, DV, Appeals

  Victoria Negus, MLRI , Boston
  
• 12:10pm - 12:25pm

  Advocacy Tips and Resources

  Victoria Negus, MLRI , Boston
  
• 12:25pm - 12:30pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

  Panel
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Cochairs

Fees

• $35.00 - Legal Services Attorney
• $35.00 - Nonlawyer Advocates
• $125.00 - All Others

To apply for a need-based scholarship for this program, email scholarships@mcle.org.