SNAP EBT System Shutdown in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know

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The SNAP EBT system shutdown in Massachusetts will temporarily affect more than 1 million residents this weekend.

During this period, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders will not be able to access their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for food purchases or cash transactions.

Other programs that use EBT cards, such as the Transitional Assistance for Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Persons with Disabilities, and Children (EAEDC), will also be paused.

This planned outage, announced by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), is due to essential system maintenance. Here's everything you need to know to be prepared.

When will the cut occur?

The SNAP EBT system shutoff in Massachusetts will begin at 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, and will run through noon on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
During this time, EBT cards will not work for:

• Buy food
• Withdraw cash
• Access any benefit linked to the EBT system

The DTA has assured that SNAP benefits will not be permanently affected; they will simply be inaccessible during the maintenance window.
System status updates will be posted on the official DTA website: mass.gov/ebt

Why is the SNAP EBT system shutting off in Massachusetts?

The SNAP EBT system shutdown is scheduled to facilitate the transition to a new EBT system provider.
The DTA is upgrading its system with the aim of improving service delivery for the approximately 1.1 million residents who depend on SNAP benefits.

What should SNAP recipients do?

No action is required from EBT cardholders to regain access to their benefits after the maintenance is completed. Cards will resume normal operation without the need for replacement or reactivation.

However, to minimize inconvenience during the SNAP EBT shutdown in Massachusetts, consider the following:

• Plan your purchases in advance: Purchase essential groceries or withdraw cash before 11 p.m. Saturday.
• Stay informed: Consultation mass.gov/ebt to know the real-time status of the system.
• Manage your budget: Make sure you have the necessary resources to cover your needs during the downtime.

Local organizations and food banks may be able to offer support during the shutdown. Consult with community centers or nonprofits in your area if you need emergency food assistance.

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