DTA uses BEACON (Benefit Eligibility and Control Online Network) to automatically calculate eligibility and benefit amounts for SNAP, cash assistance, and other programs for Massachusetts residents. After a caseworker enters client information, BEACON runs the eligibility calculation and can automatically close cases, issue notices, and prorate benefits without a human making those individual decisions. Massachusetts Legal Services has documented that BEACON's automated fault determinations can be incorrect, particularly when a DTA worker failed to offer required assistance.

BEACON (Benefit Eligibility and Control Online Network) is the primary case management system for all DTA programs, currently on version BEACON 5. The system performs fully automated categorical eligibility determinations, automatically calculates benefit amounts, and auto-closes cases when clients fail to respond to verification requests within 25 days. BEACON also automatically processes "no change" Interim Reports, continuing SNAP benefits without human caseworker review; Massachusetts Legal Services has documented that before this automation, workers had to manually review those reports to keep SNAP benefits active. Massachusetts Legal Services has also documented that BEACON's automated fault determinations, which decide whether a delay was the client's or DTA's responsibility, may be incorrect, particularly when a DTA worker failed to offer assistance. A Massachusetts FY2020 capital budget allocation was approved for BEACON Modernization to reduce payment errors.