Updated October 17, 2026

Changes to food assistance and health coverage can be difficult to navigate. Help is available, and you do not have to sort through the information alone.

Federal policy changes are affecting SNAP food assistance and MassHealth coverage on different timelines. Some changes are already in effect; others begin in 2027. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide information, document an exemption, renew benefits more frequently, or explore other coverage and support.

At East End House, we want to help individuals and families find reliable information and connect with assistance. We will continue updating this page as guidance and resources become available.

Start Here: Help in Cambridge

The City of Cambridge, Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC), Cambridge Community Foundation, and more than 30 community organizations have developed a coordinated response to help residents understand benefit changes and obtain assistance.

CEOC can help residents check eligibility, reapply after losing benefits, submit documents, communicate with DTA or MassHealth, and connect with other resources.

Contact CEOC:

• Phone: 617-868-2900
• Email: SNAPMassHealth@ceoccambridge.org
• Address: 11 Inman Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

Call or email to arrange assistance. Limited walk-in support may be available, and language assistance is available.

Visit Cambridge’s SNAP and MassHealth Support website for frequently asked questions, multilingual information, and upcoming assistance opportunities.

Steps You Can Take Now

Whether you receive SNAP, MassHealth, or both:

• Keep your contact information current with each agency. Updating one program does not necessarily update the other.
• Open and read notices promptly. Pay particular attention to deadlines, renewal forms, and requests for documents.
• Keep copies of notices and anything you submit.
• Ask for help if something is unclear. A notice or interruption in benefits does not necessarily mean you no longer qualify.
• Seek assistance promptly if benefits end or change. Ask what steps, deadlines, and review options apply to your situation.

For MassHealth, watch for the blue renewal envelope. For SNAP, respond to notices from the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).

SNAP: What Is Changing?

SNAP helps eligible households purchase food. Federal changes have expanded work rules for some adults and changed eligibility for some noncitizens.

Work rules affect some adults, with important exemptions

Some adults ages 18 through 64 must meet SNAP’s time-limit work rules to receive benefits beyond three months. Many people are exempt, and qualifying activities can include employment, approved training, or volunteering.

Do not assume that being unemployed means you cannot receive SNAP. Ask DTA or a benefits assistance provider to review whether an exemption applies and what documentation is needed.

Immigration eligibility requires an individual review

Federal changes have narrowed SNAP eligibility for some noncitizens. Eligibility depends on immigration status and other circumstances.

A household can include people with different eligibility. Even if one family member does not qualify, other eligible household members may still receive SNAP. Ask for help reviewing your household’s circumstances before deciding not to apply or renew.

If you have lost SNAP or cannot reach DTA

Contact CEOC for help reviewing the reason, checking eligibility, submitting documents, or reapplying.

DTA Assistance Line: 877-382-2363

The Greater Boston Food Bank SNAP Outreach Team also assists Massachusetts residents with applications and existing cases:

• Phone: 617-598-5022
• Email: snap@gbfb.org

MassHealth: What Is Changing?

MassHealth provides health coverage for eligible Massachusetts residents. These changes do not affect every member. MassHealth will contact members about requirements that apply to them.

October 2026: Coverage changes for some immigrants

Beginning October 1, federal changes affected eligibility for comprehensive MassHealth coverage for some lawfully present immigrants.

Certain members may move to a different coverage category with more limited benefits. Protections and exceptions apply, including for some children and pregnant or postpartum members.

If you receive a notice, seek help understanding what coverage you have, which services it covers, and whether other options are available. Do not assume that a change means you have no health coverage.

January 2027: Work and education requirements for some adults

Beginning January 1, some members will need to renew coverage every six months instead of every 12 months.

MassHealth may renew some members automatically; others will need to respond and provide information. Read each notice carefully and meet the stated deadline.

Being exempt from work requirements does not necessarily mean you are exempt from more frequent renewals.

MassHealth Customer Service: 800-841-2900
TTY: 711
Interpreter services are available.

East End House Can Help You Find Support

If you are unsure where to begin, contact East End House. Our staff can help connect you with information, community resources, and qualified benefits assistance.

Amelia Vess Schofield, LCSW, our Social Worker/Therapeutic Case Manager, works across programs to provide family-centered, trauma-informed support. She helps families navigate resources and challenges involving housing, public benefits, and family well-being, working alongside program staff and community partners.

Our Community Food Program also continues to help individuals and families access nutritious food. Please contact us for current program information and assistance.

East End House
105 Spring Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
617-876-4444

You may also contact Ryan Montbleau, Senior Director of Community Programs, at ryan@eastendhouse.org.

Resources to Keep and Share

• Cambridge SNAP and MassHealth Support: Local assistance, FAQs, multilingual information, and support events.
• MassHealth federal changes and impact screener: Official guidance and help understanding whether changes may affect you.
• DTA’s SNAP work rules: Requirements, exemptions, and documentation information.

Continuing This Work Together

Food access, health coverage, and household stability are closely connected. Protecting access to these supports requires ongoing collaboration and approaches that respond to different needs.

We are grateful for the City of Cambridge’s leadership and for CEOC, Cambridge Community Foundation, The Greater Boston Food Bank, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and the many public and community partners contributing to this work locally, regionally, and statewide.

East End House will continue working alongside these partners to share reliable information, connect people with assistance, and bring forward useful resources.

We will update this page as information changes.