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Staff Access
Public Benefits/Cash Assistance
TAFDC/EAEDC
COVID Specific Content
SNAP, TAFDC and EAEDC During Pandemic see starting p 10 for TAFDC/EAEDC - MLRI Google doc
Application: DTA offices still remain closed to the public (as of 5/22). Applicants are encouraged to apply online via DTAConnect. Those without digital access can go to DTA lobbies to access kiosks. Certain DTA lobbies are staffed for technical assistance only (not to answer questions about applications/benefits.)
Check the website for locations.
End of COVID-specific content
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Sections:
Patient Handouts from the CRC
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DTA- Applying and Rights (both TAFDC & EAEDC)
TAFDC/EAEDC Overview - Brief overview (Staff mtg presentation, 10/15)
Question and Answer summary
Apply at the local Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) for TAFDC, EAEDC and SNAP. The DTA worker will enter the application into an online system called BEACON. Find a DTA Office (Department of Transitional Assistance)
- More detail about applying for EAEDC
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Important Advocacy tip: Protect the Application Date - if unable to apply on the first visit, such as because no worker or interpreter is available, at least ask to sign the front page of the application (with your name, address, and date). This then may allow you to eventually get benefits back to that date.
- Extra Assistance - DTA workers are supposed to help applicants who need assistance to complete the application process.
- Language
DTA is required to provide interpreter services to those who need it, in person and on the phone.
- Significant Barriers - If you have a significant barrier that prevents you from going to a DTA office to complete an application, please contact the DTA Ombuds Unit at 617-348-5354. They may be able to arrange a telephone interview for you so that you can apply for TAFDC benefits without visiting an office in person.
- Accommodations for those with Disabilities
DTA is required to provide special accommodations for those with disabilities. Examples may include conducting phone interviews or coming to the hospital or a patient's home if a disability requires it.
- ADA "reasonable accommodations" processes - DTA screens clients to discuss the need for reasonable accommodations.
- Workers will explain what DTA expects clients to do to get and keep benefits, and will ask if the client has a health problem that could make any of those tasks difficult. If a client discloses disability and says they need an accommodation, DTA staff will discuss the accommodation(s) needed and whether it is needed only once or ongoing.
- Client Assistance Coordinators (CACs) - DTA has appointed supervisory-level staff to this new position in every DTA office (with 2 in the larger DTA offices).
- Client Assistance Coordinators (CACs) can help with the accommodation process and other disability related needs. Here’s an updated list of CACs (as well as a list of Domestic Violence specialists). Clients can also reach a CAC through following the prompts on the Assistance Line for a Client Assistance Coordinator.
- More information:
- For clients 60+, call the Senior Assistance Line at 833-712-8027
- Important patient handout - What Non-Citizens Need to Know
- Written by DTA, assures applicants that DTA "will not report you to immigration authorities unless you provide us with a final order of deportation".
- Available in English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Khmer, Russian and Vietnamese.
- Customer Complaints and Ombudsman
DTA- Communication - see under More Information & DTA Communication on our DTA page
TAFDC - Transitional Assistance for Families with Dependent Children
TAFDC Basics Sections:
Key Resource/References:
TAFDC Basics
- TAFDC/EAEDC Overview - Brief overview (Staff mtg presentation, 10/15)
- Program Description:
- TAFDC is a time limited cash assistance benefit for low-income families with children, pregnant teens who meet the school attendance requirements* (throughout pregnancy), and pregnant women in the last 120 days of pregnancy.
- Parents do not need to be disabled, though disabled parents and parents of disabled children who require their care may be exempt from work requirements and time-limits (Not a complete list of exemptions; more below).
- Eligibility:
- Categorical:
- Families with a child under 18 living in the home (or age 18 and a full time student), and the child is living with one or both parents or a close relative (for example- aunt, uncle, grandparent, or first cousin) or pregnant teens (under 18) who meet the school attendance requirements* at any stage of pregnancy, or pregnant women in last 120 days of pregnancy.
- Two-parent families may qualify. Parents do not need to be disabled, though those who are not may be subject to time-limit and work requirements if not exempt. More on our details page.
- Survivors of domestic violence may be able to receive benefits even if they can't give DTA all the required documents. See our Details page for more information.
- The Learnfare requirement states that children between the ages of 6 and 16 who receive TAFDC benefits must go to school or be homeschooled. More information on our Details page.
- More information: TAFDC Advocacy Guide (see eligibility rules section)
- Pregnant teens must meet the school attendance requirements:
- Already have a high school diploma or GED certificate OR
- Be in school (primary, middle or high school) full-time, OR
- Enrolled in the Young Parents Program, OR
- in a GED program combined with other volunteer or educational activities totaling 20 hours per week.
- Financial:
- As of 10/1/21- NO Asset Limit; the asset limit has been eliminated!
- "effective immediately, assets must not be counted when determining eligibility for both TAFDC and EAEDC .... Any pending TAFDC or EAEDC case with outstanding verifications for assets must have the item for assets dispositioned as verified. No TAFDC or EAEDC cases are to be closed or denied due to assets." See full DTA staff guidance issued 10/1/21.
- History of change- the legislature adopted as part of FY22 budget and overrode Gov. Baker's veto.
- Previous asset limit: Total countable assets (cash, savings, etc.) cannot be greater than $5000 per family as of 11/18 (up from $2,500). The value of the home, a vehicler used for transportation and other assets may not be countable.
- Income limits depend on family size, living situation, and ability to work. A calculation too complex to adequately describe here.
- Income deductions
- 100% earned income disregard- DTA will disregard 100% of a family’s earnings from work in calculating TAFDC for 6 months from the date a family starts getting TAFDC, or 6 months from when a job starts - whichever is later - as long as the family’s income stays below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($3,463/month for a household of 3). After 6 months, half of the client’s earnings will be counted if he/she still qualifies for TAFDC. This change has been implemented as of Nov. 2018. For more information, see TAFDC to Disregard Earned Income After a New Job- MGH Community News, September 2018.
- Lump Sum income - on our Details page
- Must be a Massachusetts resident.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Non-citizen eligibility is complex, we encourage you to consult the CRC. But briefly: Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs or green card holders) are subject to 5 year bar on receiving federal benefits, but refugees, asylees and certain others are not subject to this bar.
Other statuses such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are ineligible. See "More on immigrant eligibility" below for details.
- Advocacy tips
- Ask what status client had before LPR, may not be subject to the bar.
- If continuously present before August 22, 1996 different rules apply.
- Citizen children of ineligible non-citizen parents qualify (if otherwise eligible).
- More on immigrant eligibility:
- Important patient handout - What Non-Citizens Need to Know
- Written by DTA, assures applicants that DTA "will not report you to immigration authorities unless you provide us with a final order of deportation".
- Available in English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Khmer, Russian and Vietnamese.
- Application - see above DTA Applying and Rights (for Both TAFDC and EAEDC)
- Advocacy tip: Advise clients in advance- if one can't complete an application on the first visit to DTA (e.g., turned away because intake worker not available or no interpreter available) at least ask to sign the front page of the application (with the name, address, and date). This then may allow one to eventually get benefits back to that date.
- Work Requirement for continued benefits (unless exempt).
- Those exempt from the work requirement include: clients with disabilities limiting their ability to work, those taking care of disabled family members, women in the last month of pregnancy* (or earlier with medical documentation that they can't work)
and clients age 60 or older.
- Approved education and training programs may fulfill all or part of the work requirement for up to 24 months (prior to 7/14 maximum was 12 months).
- More information:
- On our TAFDC Details page
- In the TAFDC Advocacy manual
- *Prior to this change pregnant women were exempt from the work requirement for the final 120 days of pregnancy. Advocacy manual may not reflect changes that took effect after July 2014, including that women are automatically exempt from work requirement only in the final month of pregnancy. If there is medical documentation that they cannot work, they may be exempted for a longer period.
- Time-Limit:
- Recipients are limited to 24 months of assistance in any continuous 60-month period unless they are exempt, have a domestic violence waiver, or get an extension. Families with disabled parents and parents caring for a disabled child (among other groups) are exempt.
- More information:
- Grant amounts:
- TAFDC grant amounts are increasing as part of the MA FY22 budget agreement; the increases will be retroactive to July 1, 2021.
- Once implemented the grant amounts will be:
Family Size |
Max grant/mo 2020 |
Max grant/mo Jan. 2021-
June 2021 |
Max grant/mo July 2021-
June 2022 |
Deep Poverty Monthly Level 2021 |
Poverty Monthly Level 2021 |
3 people
TAFDC |
$593* |
$652* |
$712* |
$915 |
$1,830 |
- Grant amounts until the increases are processed: see TAFDC payment standard matrix (see p 3) As of January 2021, the maximum monthly benefit for a family of 3 is $692. The federal poverty line for a family of 3 in 2021 is $1,830.
- Immediate Needs
- You may be able to get help with immediate needs within 24 hours of application. Be sure to tell the worker if you need help with immediate needs. If you need help right away with rent, utilities or fuel and you appear to be eligible, you can get an advance on your TAFDC benefits to pay for these things. The advance will be paid as a voucher to the landlord, utility or fuel company and the amount deducted out of your first EBT payment.
- You may also be eligible for emergency SNAP (food stamps) benefits and a temporary MassHealth card.
- Additional benefits:
- Job training and assistance and education support.
- Automatic MassHealth eligibility
- DTA Child Care: for those who are working or taking part in an Employment Services Program (ESP) activity. (After 10/18, if a client is looking for an ESP activity, or employment, they can get 3 months of child care to find employment or enroll in an activity). If a client gets into an approved activity (including work, education, training, or community service), they can get 12 months of child care. This means that clients will have stable child care for their children for a whole year even if they change their activity. See Details page for more information.
- Clothing allowance: In the month of September you will receive $350 for clothing for each member of your household under 19 years of age (except for SSI recipients). (More on our TAFDC Details & Advocacy page.)
- Infant expenses: If you have a newborn baby, you are eligible for crib and baby supplies up to $300. (You must ask for this benefit before your baby is six months old.)
- Relocation benefits: You are eligible for up to $1000 for moving expenses if you are moving to permanent housing after living in an emergency shelter, domestic violence shelter, or teen living program for at least 60 days.
- How will I receive benefits?
- You will receive half of your monthly benefit twice a month. If you have an account at a bank or other financial institution, your TAFDC grant will be directly deposited to your account. If you do not have an account, your grant will be paid through a electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card.
- There are rules about how benefits may be used and costs for replacement cards.
- See: EBT Cards and using benefits
Key Resources:
See also: TAFDC Details and Advocacy page
EAEDC - Emergency Assistance for the Elderly, Disabled & Children
EAEDC Basics Sections:
- EAEDC Basics
TAFDC/EAEDC Overview - Brief overview (Staff mtg presentation, 10/15)
Description: State-funded program that offers cash assistance to certain low-income Massachusetts residents.
Eligibility
- categorical, financial and other criteria:
- Categorical- must be in one of the following categories:
- Disabled
- Impairment must cause a "substantial reduction" in ability to support oneself (does not have to be total disability) for at least 60 days.
- See also: Determining Disability on our EAEDC Details page
- Caring for someone who is disabled
- Caretakers of disabled people who need constant care and are at risk of being institutionalized may be eligible
- Doctor must certify the disabled person is at risk of institutionalization without care
- Disabled person must meet separate financial rules for caretaker to qualify
- More information: Can I get paid for caring for a relative or friend? (MGH handout)
- 65 or older
and not on SSI
- Benefits available while waiting for SSI benefits (will need to repay)
- Active participant in a Mass. Rehab program
- Certain "Caretaker Families" of children
- Adult caring for an unrelated child (“god child”) or distantly related child (must be ineligible for TAFDC due to the TAFDC relationship rules)
- Child and/or adult may qualify for aid
- Adult caretaker must get legal guardianship or custody within 6 months (unless good cause)
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Financial:
- As of 10/1/21- NO Asset Limit; the asset limit has been eliminated!
- "effective immediately, assets must not be counted when determining eligibility for both TAFDC and EAEDC .... Any pending TAFDC or EAEDC case with outstanding verifications for assets must have the item for assets dispositioned as verified. No TAFDC or EAEDC cases are to be closed or denied due to assets." See full DTA staff guidance issued 10/1/21.
- History of change- the legislature adopted as part of FY22 budget and overrode Gov. Baker's veto.
- Historical/Previous asset limit: Countable Asset limit: $250 for individuals, $500 for two or more. The value of the home is not countable. Equity value of car over $1500 count. More detail.
- Income: countable monthly income must be less than the grant level* (see p 3) for that size family. Maximum monthly grant for an individual is $334.10 (well below FPL). *Grant Levels are increasing as part of the FY22 budget agreement. Once implemented, changes will be retroactive to July 1, 2021; those who are just over-income may want to reapply.
- Some income is not counted including income of anyone living with you who gets SSI.
- There are special income and asset rules for those applying in the "caring for someone who is disabled" and the "caretaker families" categories (more detail).
- More detail about countable and non-countable income
- Clarification - Local Senior and Veterans tax work-off programs should NOT count as income. More info (2/22)
- Other Eligibility rules- applicants must:
- Be a Mass. resident (can be homeless)
- Provide or apply for SSN if eligible
- Non-Citizens
- criteria are less strict than federal rules applied to TAFDC
- Non-Citizens must be legally present in the U.S. or "permanently residing under color of law" (PRUCOL). PRUCOL means that you have an immigration status granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a formal application pending with USCIS, or you have proof that USCIS knows you are here and is not planning to deport you. (PRUCOL includes those with Temporary Protected Status - TPS)
- No 5-year bar for this program.
- NOT eligible are: immigrants who are undocumented or under order of deportation or who have a temporary immigration status (such as a visitor, student or diplomat). However, the undocumented (or others) may apply on behalf of their citizen children (or otherwise eligible children).
- More info:
- No outstanding default/arrest warrants
- Apply for other available benefits (Unemployment, fed/state Vets)
- Apply for SSI if elderly or disabled
- If you ultimately qualify for SSI, EAEDC benefit payments you received will be deducted from your first SSI check.
Applying (EAEDC)- apply at the local DTA Office (find your DTA)
- See DTA - Applying & Rights (above) for information on interpreters, ADA accommodations and more.
- Advocacy tip: Advise clients in advance- if one can't complete an application on the first visit to DTA (e.g., turned away because intake worker not available or no interpreter available) at least ask to sign the front page of the application (with the name, address, and date). This then may allow one to eventually get benefits back to that date.
- Verifications - see EAEDC Details- Application Verifications/Proof
- EAEDC Forms
- EAEDC Application - for reference only; DTA does NOT use the paper application form unless the BEACON computer system is not working. This will let you see the questions you will have to answer when you apply in person at DTA.
- If applying as disabled:
- EAEDC Disability Supplement- Completed by applicant. Note: this must be submitted within 30 days of application or applicant will need to reapply.
- EAEDC Medical Report- Completed by medical professional: must be signed by an MD, PhD, PsyD, EdD or an NP (NP added 11/08).
Note: medical report must be submitted within 30 days of application or applicant will need to reapply.
- If applicable, indicate that the disability will last longer than 60 days so the patient does not have to reapply again in 60 days.
- EAEDC Landlord Verification
Benefits
- Monthly Grant amounts
- See EAEDC Payment Standard Matrix* see p 3
- * Grant amounts will be increasing an additional 10% as part of the FY22 budget agreement.
- New and historic grant levels (once implemented):
Family Size |
Max grant/mo 2020 |
Max grant/mo Jan. 2021-
June 2021 |
Max grant/mo July 2021-
June 2022 |
Deep Poverty Monthly Level 2021 |
Poverty Monthly Level 2021 |
1 person EAEDC |
$303 |
$334 |
$364 |
$531 |
$1,063 |
- (Since November 2018 people experiencing homelessness should receive a full benefit)
- Note: EAEDC benefits increased 10% in January 2021 for the first time since 1987. Another 10% increase is effective July 1, 2021. Though benefits are still below the deep poverty line.
- Immediate Needs
- You may be able to get help with immediate needs within 24 hours of application. Be sure to tell the worker if you need help with immediate needs. If you need help right away with rent, utilities or fuel and you appear to be eligible, you can get an advance on your EAEDC benefits to pay for these things. The advance will be paid as a voucher to the landlord, utility or fuel company and the amount deducted out of your first EBT payment.
- You may also be eligible for emergency SNAP (food stamps) benefits and a temporary MassHealth card.
- Rest Home Benefit
- EAEDC pays the rest home if person cannot
afford monthly rate
- Resident keeps $72.80 for Personal Needs Allowance (PNA), pays the
balance of his/her income to rest home; EAEDC pays the rest up to the total rate
- If no income, EAEDC pays rest home and pays the resident $72.80 PNA
- Transportation costs if you need to move out of state.
- Relocation benefit of up to $1,000 to secure permanent housing (by paying for expenses such as advance rent, security deposit, rent or utility arrears, storage, or moving) for EAEDC households with children who have been in an emergency shelter or a domestic violence shelter for 60 days and for some older teens who have been in a teen living program for 60 days.
- How will I receive benefits?
- DTA must decide on your application within 30 days and send you an EBT payment or deny your application.
- Emergency benefits: You can get help with immediate needs (rent, utilities, or fuel) within 24 hours of your application. If you need help right away with rent, utilities or fuel and you appear to be eligible, you can get an advance on your EAEDC benefits to pay for these things. The advance will be paid as a voucher to the landlord, utility or fuel company and the amount deducted out of your first payment. (EAEDC Advocacy Guide)
- If you have an account at a bank or other financial institution, your TAFDC grant will be directly deposited to your account. If you do not have an account, your grant will be paid through a electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card.
- There are rules about how benefits may be used and costs for replacement cards. See: EBT Cards and using benefits
Related Benefits: most EAEDC recipients are eligible for MassHealth and SNAP.
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EAEDC recipients automatically receive one of three kinds of MassHealth benefits depending on age, citizenship or immigration status and disability: MassHealth Standard, CarePlus or Family Assistance. You will receive a MassHealth card and your coverage will begin right away. For more information, see Mass Legal Services.
Continuing Eligibility
DTA generally reviews eligibility for most recipients at least every 12 months.
DTA can review your case sooner if it thinks your eligibility may have changed or if the Disability Evaluation Service (DES) decides your disability needs to be reviewed or has changed. This reevaluation can be completed over the phone or in person.
When DTA reviews your case, it can only make you bring in proof of those things that might have changed since the last review. Tell your worker if you need an extension to get the proofs, help filling out forms, or a referral to a doctor. If you do not get the proofs on time, your worker will send you a notice saying your benefits will stop. You still have 30 days from the date of that notice to bring in the proofs and your worker will reopen your case if the proofs show you are eligible.
You might also be asked to come in for a quality control (QC) review. This is a special review to make sure the local DTA office is following the rules. If you are asked to go to a QC review, you have to go or your worker will stop your benefits. If DTA thinks your eligibility has changed, it has to send you an advance notice before it stops or reduces your benefits. If you ask for a fair hearing before the termination or reduction go into effect, your benefits will continue until a hearing officer decides your case.
You have 10 days to report changes that could make you ineligible or decrease your benefits. This includes changes in income or assets, who lives with you, or if you move to a new address.
More Information and Reference
- Key Resources:
- EAEDC Advocacy Guide - Mass Law Reform Institute, September 2017
- DTA Online Guide - includes details about programs, DTA Transmittal Updates, DTA staff "News You can Use", notices, etc.
- More, including time limits for submitting proofs, appeal rights at: Basic EAEDC Rights - Mass Law Reform, Mass LegalHelp website
- See our EAEDC Details page for more financial eligibility including special financial rules for those caring for a disabled person and for "caretaker" families.
- For Patients/Families:
EAEDC Brochure from DTA (Also available: Spanish version)
Patient Handouts from the CRC
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EBT Cards- Using Benefits
If the recipient has a bank account, benefits will be deposited in the account. Those who do not have a bank account will receive benefits via Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. More on how to get and use an EBT card: How will you get your grant—direct deposit or benefits transfer? (MassLegalHelp.org)
Prohibited Uses of DTA Cash Assistance
Effective July 27, 2012, it is illegal to use
cash benefits to pay for the following purchases
or services with an Electronic Benefit
Transfer (EBT) card: alcoholic beverages, court-ordered
fees, fines, bail or bail bonds, firearms
and ammunition, gambling, jewelry, lottery
tickets, pornographic material or performances,
tattoos or body piercings, tobacco products, or
vacation services.
A first offense will require repayment of the amount used illicitly. Subsequent offenses include repayment in addition to a temporary or permanent loss of benefits.
The law also makes it illegal for these stores to
accept cash benefits on a DTA EBT card: adult
bookstores, or adult paraphernalia stores, or
pornographic performance establishments,
ammunitions dealers, gambling casinos
or gaming establishments, cruise ships, firearms
dealers, jewelry stores, liquor stores, manicure
shops or aesthetic shops, rent-to-own stores, or
tattoo parlors.
More Information on Prohibited Uses of EBT Cards
Replacement EBT Cards
Due to allegations that some are selling their EBT cards, DTA has begun charging for replacement cards except in certain circumstances. Members will be charged $5 for replacement cards unless they meet certain exceptions. More than 4 replacement card requests in a year will trigger a closer review.
Discounts
EBT Card Holders Now Eligible for Free or Reduced Admissions at 100+ Museums and Cultural Venues, MGH Community News, August 2017
Learn More (Note: At this writing DTA does not routinely inform members of exceptions and similar rights): Replacement EBT Cards- Exceptions and Rights
Also learn more about new Photo ID requirements for some...
Archive/Articles from the MGH Community News
reviewed 9/18 |
