DTA Office New Bedford MA: 7 Critical Updates You Need To Know For 2025 (Including SUN Bucks & New Location)
Navigating the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office in New Bedford, MA, requires having the most current and precise information, especially with significant program and location changes rolling out in 2025. As of today, December 19, 2025, the New Bedford Transitional Assistance Office has officially settled into its new, more accessible location, and clients need to be aware of major federal and state program updates, including the launch of the new SUN Bucks program.
This comprehensive guide provides the essential, up-to-date details for the New Bedford DTA office, covering everything from the new address and hours to critical changes in SNAP, TAFDC, and digital service management via DTA Connect. Understanding these seven key updates will ensure you can manage your benefits efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays or missed appointments.
New Bedford DTA Office: Location, Contact, and Hours (The Essential 2025 Directory)
For nearly three decades, the New Bedford DTA office was located on West Rodney French Boulevard. However, the office has completed a major move to a new, fully accessible facility. This new location is designed to improve client experience and access to services for residents across Bristol County and the South Coast region.
- Official Name: DTA New Bedford Transitional Assistance Office
- Current Address: 16 Kilburn Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
- DTA Assistance Line (Main Phone): 877-382-2363 (Press 7 for local office assistance)
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Accessibility: The 16 Kilburn Street location is wheelchair accessible.
While the physical office lobby is open for services, including new self-service options, the DTA strongly encourages clients to use the DTA Assistance Line or the DTA Connect digital services to manage their cases whenever possible, which can save a trip to the bustling New Bedford location.
Update #1: The Critical 2025 SNAP Program Changes and November Updates
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is the most widely utilized benefit managed by the DTA. The year 2025 has brought several significant changes that directly affect New Bedford residents:
The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025" and Federal Shifts
Following the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, the federal SNAP program underwent significant modifications. These changes, which were a major topic for the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, included adjustments to eligibility and work requirements. Clients who received a notice of adverse action or a change in their benefit amount should contact the DTA Assistance Line immediately to clarify their case status.
Resolution of the November 2025 Government Shutdown Impact
A brief federal government shutdown in late 2025 temporarily impacted the issuance of SNAP benefits. However, as of an update on November 8, 2025, SNAP benefits were fully restored, and all affected households received their full November SNAP funds. Approximately 56% of SNAP households who missed initial payments had their balances updated, confirming the DTA's commitment to ensuring continuous food assistance.
Changes for Older Adults (Age 60-64)
New rules are shifting for older adults in Massachusetts, specifically those aged 60–64. These adjustments are part of the broader federal reforms and may affect the way certain deductions or income limits are calculated for this demographic. Older adults in New Bedford who are close to this age range or are currently receiving benefits are advised to check the DTA Connect portal for personalized updates.
Update #2: Introducing SUN Bucks—The New Summer EBT Program for 2025
One of the most exciting new programs for families in New Bedford is the launch of the federal SUN Bucks program, formally known as Summer EBT. This initiative is a major effort to combat food insecurity when school is out.
- What is SUN Bucks? It is a federal food benefit designed to help low-income families with school-aged children buy food during the summer months when they do not have access to school meals.
- Benefit Amount: Eligible children will receive a food benefit of $120 for the summer.
- Issuance: The Massachusetts DTA, in partnership with other state agencies, was approved for this program in April 2025. Benefits will begin to be issued in June 2025.
- How to Receive: Most eligible families will receive a new, separate SUN Bucks EBT card in the mail starting in June 2025. It is critical to save this card for any future Summer EBT benefits.
This program is a significant expansion of food assistance and is managed in partnership by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and other state agencies.
Update #3: DTA Connect—The Essential 24/7 Digital Hub
The DTAConnect mobile app and the DTAConnect.com website have become the primary tools for managing transitional assistance without needing to visit the New Bedford office. The DTA continues to enhance its technology to provide better self-service options.
Key Features of DTA Connect:
- Apply for Benefits: You can apply for SNAP benefits, TAFDC (cash assistance), and EAEDC directly through the app or website.
- Submit Documents: Clients can take photos of required verification documents (like pay stubs, rent receipts, or utility bills) and upload them 24/7, eliminating the need to mail or drop them off at 16 Kilburn Street.
- Check Case Status: View your current benefit balances, EBT card status, and the date of your next benefit issuance.
- Complete Forms: You can submit your mandatory SNAP Interim Report and SNAP Reevaluation forms online, which is crucial for maintaining eligibility.
- Screening Tool: An optional service is available to potential SNAP applicants to quickly determine possible eligibility by answering a few simple questions.
Update #4: Understanding the Core DTA Programs (TAFDC and EAEDC)
While SNAP is the most well-known program, the New Bedford DTA office manages two other vital cash assistance programs:
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
TAFDC is a monthly cash benefit program, sometimes referred to as "welfare," designed to help low-income families with children. The program aims to help individuals and families explore opportunities, improve their finances, and reach self-sufficiency.
- Eligibility Focus: Primarily for families with children aged 18 or younger, pregnant individuals, or caregivers of a related child who is not their own.
- Requirements: Grantees must meet work program requirements, including work, job training, or other approved activities.
Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
The EAEDC program provides cash assistance to very low-income individuals who are not receiving benefits from TAFDC, SSI, or similar federal programs.
- Eligibility Focus: Older adults (over 65 and not receiving SSI), people with disabilities that prevent them from working for at least 60 days, or children being cared for by a non-parent relative.
- Purpose: It serves as a financial safety net for vulnerable populations in Massachusetts.
Update #5: Submitting Documents—The New Best Practices
To expedite your application or re-evaluation process, the DTA has streamlined the document submission process. Whether you are applying for SNAP, TAFDC, or EAEDC, proper documentation is key.
- Use the DTA Document Cover Sheet: Always use the official DTA Document Cover Sheet when submitting paperwork. This sheet helps the DTA staff quickly identify your documents and attach them to your case file, whether you submit them in person or digitally.
- Digital Submission is Fastest: The DTAConnect app or website is the quickest way to submit verifications.
- Required Proofs: During your interview (which is often scheduled as a phone interview), the DTA worker will tell you exactly what proofs are required, such as proof of identity, residency, income, and expenses.
Update #6: The DTA Assistance Line Remains Your First Contact
Before traveling to the 16 Kilburn Street office, the DTA Assistance Line (877-382-2363) should be your first point of contact. The line is open from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM and offers help in over 100 languages.
For routine tasks like checking your EBT balance, reporting a lost card, or asking general questions, the phone line or DTA Connect is significantly faster than waiting in the office lobby.
Update #7: DTA's Commitment to Technology and Service Upgrades
The DTA is continually focused on continuous quality improvement efforts. Throughout 2025, the agency is implementing technology upgrades and enhanced training for its staff, including those at the New Bedford office. This focus is aimed at maintaining accuracy in benefit calculations while protecting service integrity and ensuring a better experience for clients managing their SNAP, TAFDC, and EAEDC cases.
Furthermore, the opening of a new community-based transitional assistance location is planned for early 2025, signaling a broader effort by the Massachusetts DTA to expand accessibility and support services beyond the traditional office structure.
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