March brings changes to public benefits qualifications

Many public benefit programs are based on the Federal Pover­ty Level (FPL), which increases each year to reflect cost-of-living adjustments. When the FPL increases, income eligi­bility guidelines for many programs increase as well. For example, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) is set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level — or double the FPL.

Below are some of the key programs affected by these updates:

SNAP

SNAP (Supplemental Nutri­tion Assistance Program) helps lower-income households with food costs. The updated gross monthly income limits are:

• $2,660 for an individual;
• $3,607 for a couple;
• $4,533 for a household of three; and,
• $5,500 for a household of four.

(income limits increase with household size).

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) has also recently changed its SNAP verification process. In the past, certain expenses could be self-declared. Now, DTA is request­ing additional documentation for expenses such as:

• Shelter expenses;
• Utility expenses;
• Dependent care costs; and,
• Medical expenses.

Many households have seen a reduction in SNAP benefits because DTA now requires veri­fication for expenses that were previously self-declared. The most common example is utili­ties. Previously, if you stated that you paid utilities, DTA accepted that statement. Now, you must provide proof, such as a utility bill.

The Dartmouth Council on Aging is a SNAP Outreach Partner.

In addition to my role locally, I serve as co-chair of the New Bedford DTA Advisory Board. As a SNAP Outreach Part­ner, I can assist with applica­tions, recertifications, benefit increases, and resolving most SNAP-related issues directly through my office.

Medicare Savings Program

The Medicare Savings Program assists lower-income households with Medicare costs. MSP can:

• Pay your Medicare Part B premi­um;
• Reduce prescription co-pays; and,
• In some cases, cover all Medi­care cost-sharing.

The new monthly income guide­lines are:

• $2,993 for an individual; and,
• $4,058 for a married couple

MassHealth

MassHealth is the state’s health insurance program for low-income households and individuals with disabilities.

Updated basic income limits are:

• $1,768 for an individual under age 65;
• $1,330 for an individual age 65 or older;
• $2,398 for a married couple under age 65; and,
• $1,803 for a married couple age 65 or older.

These are basic income guide­lines only. MassHealth eligibili­ty can be complex and may vary depending on household size, medical conditions, disability status, and other factors.

One MassHealth program commonly used by individuals over 60 is the Frail Elder Waiver (FEW). The income guideline for FEW is increasing to $2,982 per month. However, income is not the only qualification — functional and clinical criteria must also be met.

If you have questions about any of these programs, a SHINE Counselor or a MassHealth Certified Application Counsel­or (CAC) can help you explore your options.

I am both a certified SHINE Counselor and a MassHealth/ Health Connector Certified Application Counselor (CAC). You are always welcome to contact me for information, assistance, or to review your eligibility at (508)999-4717 or mdansereau@dartmouthma.gov

Editor’s note: SNAP income limits are accurate and based on newly released information. Other dollar amounts for income limits included here are esti­mates based on the released FPL and SSI limits for 2026 because this article was written before updated figures were published. Official figures may differ by a few dollars.