“SNAP Gap” progress spurs calls for Benefits Common App
On Feb. 15, the Baker administration announced that MassHealth applicants would be able to use their submitted information to start a SNAP application beginning in July, as reported in a WWLP article (from State House News Service). The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and the National Association of Social Workers – MA Chapter have for years been leading a coalition of over 150 organizations advocating for a benefits application process that would allow Massachusetts residents to apply for MassHealth and food assistance at the same time.
MLRI estimated last year that 600,000 MassHealth recipients likely qualify for SNAP benefits but are not receiving the federally funded, state-administered food aid.
While MLRI Senior Policy Advocate Patricia Baker praised the administration’s latest step, she said more work should be done to remove “bureaucratic obstacles” that have been in place “for too long.” “It’s time to finish the job, break down the remaining barriers with a simple, accessible common application for all means-tested benefits available to our lowest income households,” Patricia Baker said.
MLRI and NASW backed legislation filed by Rep. Jay Livingstone of Boston and Sen. Sal DiDomenico of Everett (H 1290 / S 761) that instructs the administration to begin developing a common application for a range of benefits. The Health Care Financing Committee favorably reported the bill in November, and it remains pending before the House Ways and Means Committee.
