The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance (cash benefits) and food assistance (SNAP benefits), as well as workforce training opportunities. DTA provides benefits to 1 out of every 6 people in Massachusetts. Those served by DTA include children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Many of those who receive benefits from DTA work.