April 9, 2025

Planned EBT Outage
 

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) announced that there will be a full EBT outage from 11 p.m. Saturday, April 26, until midday Sunday, April 27, impacting 1.1 million DTA clients. During this time, Massachusetts EBT cards will not work for SNAP purchases, cash purchases, or cash withdrawals. Retailers will also not be able to process manual vouchers. DTA will post an update on mass.gov/EBT when the outage ends and you can resume processing EBT transactions.

DTA has created an informational poster about the outage. Retailers should hang this poster in their stores as soon as possible, in a prominent location where customers will see it (on the doors/windows at entrances, in the check out lines, etc.), and keep the posters up until the outage is over. The poster is available in multiple languages and can be downloaded at mass.gov/EBT.

DTA is also introducing a new EBT card design. This new card will be accepted in addition to the other existing/past card designs. DTA has created a poster with images of the new and current designs. We encourage you to hang this poster in your employee breakroom for staff reference. The poster can be downloaded at mass.gov/EBT.
 

REMINDER:
Alliance of State Retail Associations
401(k) Plan & Trust Webinar

The Alliance of State Retail Associations is dedicated to continually enhancing its offerings, so RAM members have access to the most dynamic programs, products, and services in the marketplace. 

That’s why the Alliance of State Retail Associations partnered with Transamerica to offer members a competitive retirement plan designed to help employees improve their retirement readiness. 

Explore the benefits of joining the Alliance of State Retail Associations 401(k) Plan & Trust during an upcoming webinar hosted by Transamerica. They include: 

• Fewer plan administrative duties
• Reduced fiduciary liability
• Streamlined costs
• Online account management
• Employee education and communication support

Nineteen state retail associations across the country currently participate with the ASRA 401K Plan.  RAM members constitute the largest group of participants in this important wealth building cooperative program for small business workforces.  Join this webinar to find out why. 

The webinar for RAM members will take place April 24 at 1p.m. ET. 

REGISTER NOW

ABEC Launches Webinar Series for
Asian-owned Restaurants

The Asian Business Empowerment Council (ABEC), in partnership with Prepshift, is launching a free multilingual webinar series designed specifically for Asian-owned restaurants across Massachusetts.
 
This exciting new program, Ignite, offers two expert-led webinars and a 6-week coaching program to help AAPI restaurateurs strengthen their businesses in time for #ShopAAPIMonth (statewide) and the Boston Asian Restaurant Week (Greater Boston) in May. 
 
Sessions are virtual, with live translation in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Khmer, and Vietnamese. It’s an incredible opportunity for Asian-owned restaurants to get practical support, connect with industry peers, and prepare for increased visibility and growth. 
 
RAM works closely with ABEC and is proud to support their efforts in assisting business owners in navigating today’s challenging economic environment. 
 
For more information: 

• April 14 (Menu Optimization) & April 23 (Marketing & Customer Engagement)
• 6-Week 1:1 Coaching Program – Applications due April 15 

Is Your Health Insurance Policy up for Renewal?
Get a Quote for RAM's Health Insurance Cooperative

The RAM Health Insurance Cooperative is the Association’s health insurance solution for our small business members (under 50 FTE).  The Cooperative provides access to the entire portfolio of high quality, small group health insurance plans offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA (BCBSMA), as well as a comprehensive package of free ancillary benefits typically offered by larger businesses.  Not only does this add value, but also allows members to compete for, and retain, employees in today’s tight labor market.

The list of ancillary employee benefits provided by RAM free of charge, includes: 

• A 1% year end employer wellness reward, administered by RAM and paid directly to the employer.
• Life Insurance ($10,000 per subscriber), Hospital Benefits ($750 1st night, $150 each night thereafter up to 10 days total) and Accident Coverage (off the job) for accident, hospital, follow up, surgery and wellness, all provided by USAble Life.
• Employee Assistance Program provided by New Directions for mental health and and substance abuse counseling for subscribers and their dependents.
• Blue 20/20 Vision Benefit ($130 12/12/24 Frequency) available to subscribers and their dependents.
• Waived Fees for Health Care Spending Accounts through Health Equity (available at renewal). *

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to participate and save. No change of broker.  It’s a simple, cost effective, comprehensive health solution for our small business members and their employees.