ATTENTION: Children must be enrolled in a MEFA U.Fund 529 account through BabySteps in order to be eligible for SNAP into BabySteps.
Sign up for SNAP into BabySteps
SNAP into BabySteps provides an additional $120 to Massachusetts children under the age of one who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Combined with the $50 BabySteps deposit, that’s a total of $170 to save toward your children’s future education costs.
SNAP into BabySteps is a collaboration between the Office of Empowerment and the Department of Transitional Assistance to provide extra 529 account deposits to families enrolled in SNAP benefits. Families must open the U.Fund 529 before the child turns one year old to receive the initial $50 and have until the child is 18 months old to sign up for SNAP into BabySteps. Families with both SNAP and a U.Fund 529 account will receive $10 monthly deposits for one year.
Follow these steps to receive the full $170 deposit:
Step 1: Open a U.Fund 529 account for your child before their first birthday
Step 2: Complete the SNAP into BabySteps Consent & Intake Form
Step 3: Complete the verification form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BabySteps?
BabySteps is a program offered by State Treasurer Deborah B. Golberg that provides $50 to Massachusetts families to save toward their children’s education.
How long will it take for my SNAP into BabySteps form to be verified?
Verification for SNAP into BabySteps can take four to eight weeks. If there is any information missing from your submission, we will contact you and allow you to resubmit your form. Once you are verified, you will receive confirmation from us and information about your first deposit.
What if my child was not on SNAP when they enrolled in BabySteps, but got on SNAP after?
As long as your child is enrolled in SNAP when you sign them up for SNAP into BabySteps, they will be eligible to receive the additional deposits. The SNAP into BabySteps Consent & Intake Form must be submitted before your child is 18 months old.
Can I submit the SNAP into BabySteps Consent & Intake Form if I am not the parent or legal guardian of the child?
Yes! Use the non-parent/guardian applicants form. If you are not the parent or legal guardian of the child, you must also submit proof of the child's SNAP status via email to babysteps@tre.state.ma.us.
How are SNAP into BabySteps payments deposited?
SNAP into BabySteps payments will be deposited into the child's U.Fund 529 account.
After your account has been verified, you will receive $10 payments once a month for 12 months. You can monitor this by checking your U.Fund 529 account with Fidelity, including through the Fidelity app.
How do I know if my child is eligible for SNAP benefits?
The fastest way to find out if your child is eligible is to visit the DTA Connect Screening Tool. You can also:
- Apply online
- Call the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363 (press 7)
- Send a paper application
- Visit your local DTA office
- Visit a SNAP Outreach Partner