Public Welfare Department

"Being a rather transient middle-aged woman, I have experienced working with many different DTA locations; from Worcester to Boston and places in between. And, honestly, the Lawrence location is one of the better choices. I learned a long time ago that showing up in person gets the best results. Forget about the phone, you're just going to stress yourself out to no avail. There is a rather new alternative which is the DTA app. All you need in order to use the website is a smartphone, tablet or public library computer. You can access quite a bit of information regarding your case online. It's worth checking to see if you can update your case online before going in person. As far as the metal detectors and guards screening people as they enter, that's pretty typical for most city-based DTA offices. I don't think I've ever been to an office that didn't have that set-up. It's kind of understandable because you have to realize that many people come to their offices extremely angry. They've just had their EBT or Cash Assistance cut off when they were probably counting on it. They're just trying to protect their employees. I feel like the employees at Lawrence are rather friendly compared to say Chelsea. And the wait is also nothing compared to places like Worcester or Boston. And at least there is plenty of room to wait with ample seating. The office is clean and there a plenty of bathrooms. Overall, the Lawrence DTA office is one of the better Massachusetts' locations. Keep in mind, parking is extremely difficult. There are very limited parking spots off Merrimack Street. And in the rear of the building which used to have at least some parking, there is massive construction making parking there a major inconvenience. Walk or use public transportation if possible."

"METAL DETECTORS AS SOON AS YOU WALK INTO THE OFFICE NOW! WITH A COP OR WHATEVER SECURITY OFFICER LIKE A COURTHOUSE! The place has gotten a lot better and faster than it once was. Im usta using the Salem MA office which was a mess last time I had to go there. The people were actually not only nice but they were just more than onw friendly person last time I had to go in and file for foodstamps. It was nice to see people smiling not all pissed off (excuse the language; lol but if you've been there I'm sure you have heard and seen a lot worse but still sorry.) The fact that the have metal detectors kinda threw me off a little though. . Maybe if they had a sign letting you know you are walking into a metal detector would be cool. Just saying. ..i was wicked taken back by it lol I was like wth im.not at court! No but forreal the people are just doing their jobs and when we all realize this things go easier, the workers are happier and move quicker knowing were waiting when we act like human beings. No one is better than anyone and we're all there for similar situations."

"I called the 1800 number to get information about my food stamps and it is impossible to talk with a human being. Then I called the number in Lawrence and also, it is impossible to find a human being. They put you through options that at the end nobody responds to your call. This is a pain in the ass!!"

"Needed to try and speak with someone regarding a family with 4 children who are homeless. For English press 1. a host of messages followed. press 0 to speak with a human. It rang , rang and 15 rings, 20 rings , 25 rings and on and on until lo and behold it was picked up and hung up. Hours of operation 7AM to 5:00 PM. My call was at 4:10 PM. Guess they went home for the day!!"