Understanding Adult Foster Care and SNAP:
Know Your Rights to Maximize Your Benefits
At Mass Care Link, we are committed to supporting individuals in need of Adult Foster Care (AFC) services, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve. If you or a loved one is receiving AFC services, it’s important to understand how these services interact with government assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
What Is Adult Foster Care?
Adult Foster Care is a program designed to provide personal care services to individuals who are unable to live independently due to physical or cognitive disabilities. At Mass Care Link, we ensure that caregivers, often family members, are trained and supported to provide 24-hour supervision and assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and medication management. These services allow participants to remain in a home-like setting instead of institutional care.
What are SNAP Benefits?
Designed to help individuals and families expand their healthy food budget, according the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance SNAP benefits can provide qualified recipients with:
- Monthly funds on an EBT card to buy food
- $40, $60, or $80 a month put back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy local produce via the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
- SNAP Path to Work free education and training opportunities
- Free nutrition education classes and resources
- Connections to other kinds of help, like utility discounts, free school meals, and discounted admissions to many Commonwealth museums and cultural institutions via EBT Card to Culture
How Does Adult Foster Care Impact SNAP Benefits?
Many individuals worry about how receiving AFC services may affect their eligibility for SNAP benefits. The good news is that payments received through AFC services are not counted as income when determining SNAP eligibility. According to the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, “Low‐income persons who provide in‐home care to disabled adults through the Adult Foster Care (AFC) program may be able to exclude that person and their income from their SNAP benefits.” This means that AFC participants can still qualify for food assistance without worrying about reductions due to the support they receive for care.
Under federal SNAP regulations, AFC benefits are treated as a “non-countable” form of income. This is crucial for households where the participant requires both AFC and food assistance to maintain their well-being.
Your Rights as an AFC Participant
As an AFC participant, it’s important to be aware of your rights regarding government assistance programs. Here are key points to keep in mind:
- SNAP Benefits Should Not Be Reduced: Receiving AFC services should not reduce your SNAP benefits, as these payments are excluded from income calculations.
- Report Your Situation Correctly: When applying or recertifying for SNAP benefits, ensure you report your situation accurately. Clearly state that you are receiving AFC services, so the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) excludes these payments from your household income.
- Consult an Advocate: If you believe your SNAP benefits have been improperly reduced due to AFC payments, you can seek legal help. Mass Care Link is here to assist with guidance or direct you to the appropriate resources.
Stay HIP with Fresh Produce
Healthy Incentives Programs (HIP) can help Massachusetts residents on SNAP incorporate more fresh, local fruits and vegetables in their diet by providing incentives. The program provides an immediate reimbursement for fruits and vegetables purchased at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture Programs (CSAs).
Coastal Foodshed, with locations in Fall River and New Bedford, accepts SNAP benefits and participates in the HIP program, helping your dollar go farther while supporting local farmers. For additional participating farmers’ markets, you can check out the searchable database on the Department of Transitional Assistance website.
How Mass Care Link Can Help
At Mass Care Link, we provide more than just care. We’re dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of various assistance programs, ensuring that you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to. Our team is knowledgeable about the intersection of AFC services and government benefits like SNAP and can help guide you through any questions or concerns you may have.
By partnering with Mass Care Link, you’ll not only receive top-tier care but also the support you need to maintain your independence and financial well-being.
Access the Benefits You Deserve
Understanding your rights when it comes to AFC services and SNAP benefits is crucial for maintaining your quality of life and the health of the person you care for. At Mass Care Link, we are here to provide the care and support you need, while ensuring that your financial assistance remains intact. Contact us today to learn more about our Adult Foster Care services and how we can help you maximize your benefits.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, reach out to us at 866-880-8889.