A communication from the Department of Transitional Assistance (see Section 2 (B) (s) of Chapter 18 of the General Laws) submitting a report entitled: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Photo Requirements Exemptions

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

The bill requires annual DTA reports detailing which EBT recipients are exempt from the photo requirement, why, and by category.

Placed on file

Purpose and intent

The bill requests the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to submit a report entitled “Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Photo Requirements Exemptions.” The report, required under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 18, Section 2(B)(s), would detail the numbers of EBT recipients exempt from the photo on their EBT card and the reasons for these exemptions. The overarching aim is transparency about which groups are exempt and why, in the context of a state and federal requirement to allow exemptions for certain populations.

Key provisions and changes

Annual reporting obligation: DTA must file a report each year describing exemptions to the EBT card photo requirement and the justification for each exemption.

Summary of current exemptions: The report should enumerate exemption categories and the counts of households within those categories, as of a specified date (the provided data reflects November 30, 2024 figures).

Exemption categories (as currently recognized):

Age-based: Younger than 19; Older than 59
Program-based: SNAP, TAFDC (Temporary Aid to Needy Families/EDDC), EAEDC (Emergency Assistance for Disabled and Elderly)
Special groups: Domestic violence victims; Disabled; Blind; Religious exemption; Homeless; Non-Applicant (caregivers who are not head of household but exempt per USDA-FNS guidance)

Clarifications and caveats:

A household head may appear in multiple exemption categories; thus, the total exemptions can exceed the total caseload.
Some demographic data is suppressed to protect client privacy (data under 11 years old).
The report aligns with USDA-FNS requirements that heads of households not benefiting on their own behalf must be exempt, and that religious exemptions must be allowed.

Who is affected

EBT recipients in Massachusetts who are exempt from the photo requirement based on age, disability, domestic violence status, homelessness, religious belief, or administrative/household roles.

Head of Household determinations interact with exemptions, including cases where the exempt individual is not the primary SNAP recipient or is a caretaker not counted in benefit calculations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill references an annual reporting timeline, consistent with the statutory requirement for DTA to publish a yearly exemptions report.

The current report (as compiled by DTA) provides a snapshot of exemptions as of November 30, 2024, including breakdowns by program (SNAP, TAFDC, EAEDC) and exemption category.

Action history indicates the bill or report has been placed on file as of May 18, 2026.

Practical impact

In practice, the bill promotes transparency about which EBT cardholders are exempt from the photo ID requirement and why, which can inform policymakers, advocates, and the public about the reach and rationale of exemptions.

It does not alter the exemption criteria or the EBT photo policy itself but ensures comprehensive documentation and accountability for exemptions.

Bill