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TAFDC/EAEDC

Details and Advocacy Page

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  • TAFDC Details

    • TAFDC Advocacy Guide (2017)

    • Brief Overview: Staff Meeting, 10/15

    • Non-Citizen Eligibility - MLRI, 12/17

    • Two-Parent Families
      • Two-parent families may qualify. They do not have to be disabled, but they may be subject to work requirements and time-limits. Each parent must individually be determined disabled or meet another exemption to be exempt from these requirements. See Work Requirement and Time Limit section below.
        • Tip: Adults who are not disabled may be exempt from the work requirement and time-limits if they are caring for a young or disabled child (only one parent in a two-parent household may claim this exemption even if both are needed to care for the child.), or caring for a disabled spouse, sibling, half-sibling, the other parent of one's child, or their or their spouse’s parent(s) or grandparent(s). (Not a full list of exemptions.)
        • More on exemptions: TAFDC Advocacy Guide

    • Work Requirement and Time Limits

        Parents with disabilities, parents of disabled children, parents of young children and those caring for a disabled spouse, sibling, half-sibling, the other parent of one's child, or their or their spouse’s parent(s) or grandparent(s) may be exempt from the Work Requirement and the Time Limit. (Not a complete list.) Parents with disabilities may also get a higher grant amount (additional 2.75%).

        Caretaker Work Exemption form (TAFDC)*

      * Nurse practitioners are "competent medical authorities" able to sign medically-related forms- MGH Community News, 2/09\

      For more information, see Mass Legal Help.

       
    • Clothing Allowance
      • September Clothing Allowance (January 2019, MA Law Reform Institute)
      • Also see this additional flyer (Fall 2019, MA Law Reform Insitute)

        For the month of September, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) increases the income eligibility limits and payment standards for the TAFDC program. This increase in the payment standard is known as the children's clothing allowance, and occurs only for September.

        Families participating in the TAFDC program will receive an additional $350 per eligible child (up from $300 in 2017).

        Who Is Eligible to Receive the Clothing Allowance?
        Families can receive a clothing allowance of $350 for each eligible child receiving TAFDC benefits or eligible to receive benefits in September of each year. 

        INELIGIBILE children include children who are:

        • Age 19 and older;
        • Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI); and/or
        • Undocumented immigrants.

        TAFDC Income Eligibility Limit Increase: Benefits Extended to Some Working Families Not Receiving TAFDC
        The TAFDC income eligibility limits are increased for September only; the amount of the increase depends on the number of applicants or recipients under age 19 in the household.

        This means that many low-income working families that normally are income-ineligible for TAFDC benefits will become eligible for the clothing allowance. Although these families will not receive cash benefits, they may be able to receive subsidized child care in addition to the clothing allowance.

        How Are Benefits Paid?
        Families already enrolled in TAFDC automatically will receive the clothing allowance payment for each eligible child on August 30th. For families who are eligible for all or part of September and are approved after August 30th, the clothing allowance payment will be made in the fall. DTA will provide the full $350/child clothing allowance, even if the family applies after September 1st or only is eligible for part of the month. (The benefit will NOT be prorated as it was in years past.)

        Impact on SNAP Benefits
        The clothing allowance benefit is NOT considered income for SNAP purposes.


 

  • Using Benefits: See EBT Cards- Using Benefits
  • Learnfare
    • What is the Learnfare requirement?

    Under the Learnfare requirement, children between the ages of 6 and 16 who receive TAFDC benefits must go to school or be homeschooled. If a child has too many unexcused absences, the family could lose the share of the TAFDC benefit that corresponds to that child.

    • How does the Learnfare requirement work?

    The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) maintains a school attendance record for all children under age 16.

    When the school year begins, DTA sends families a form that identifies each child's school. Families must return the form to DTA. If it's not returned, DTA will close the TAFDC case.

    DTA verifies that the child is attending that school. If the child goes to a public school, the school reports this information directly to DTA, so the attendance form does not need to be sent to DTA.

    If the child is in a private, parochial or alternative school, or receives their education at home, DTA will send the attendance form. The school must fill it out and then the family sends it to DTA.

    If a child misses school too much without justification, DTA will put the child on "Learnfare probation ." DTA considers an absence without good reason "an unexcused absence." If the child has more than eight unexcused absences in a quarter of 45 days, DTA will put the child on probation for Learnfare. The DTA will notify the family if the child is put on probation for Learnfare.

    • What is a good excuse to miss school?

    Some good reasons why one can miss school, that is, an excused absence, include:

    • Illness - if a child misses school for 5 calendar days, DTA will accept a written statement from parent/guardian;
      • For more than 5 days, they will need a note from the doctor or hospital.
    • Absence due to the disability of the child, defined by the DTA;
    • Religious holidays;
    • The death of a relative. Evidence would need to be given to DTA, such as a copy of the death certificate or a newspaper article;
    • "A crisis" approved by the DTA director or the person they assign.

    If the child has an excused absence, they do not count it as part of the 8 absences they may have within the 45-day quarter. An excused absence does not harm the child.

     

  • Family Cap - Repealed
    • Massachusetts no longer has a Family Cap! As of Jan 1, 2019 families can get benefits for all their children. See TAFDC Family Cap is Finally Lifted in Massachusetts- MGH Community News, April 2019, for more information.

    • What WAS the 'family cap'?
      A family could receive benefits for a child only if the child was already born when the family first applied for TAFDC or if the child was born fewer than 10 months after they applied for TAFDC. A child born more than 10 months after you first applied for TAFDC will not be added to the cash grant unless the child meets an exception. To learn more about these exceptions, see Family Cap Waivers. The Family Cap date is the date after which a TAFDC case is ineligible for an increase in TAFDC benefits unless the child qualifies for an exception or a waiver is granted. The Family Cap rule requires that a child born after the Family Cap date does not entitle a case to an increase in cash assistance but the child is considered a TAFDC case member for all other purposes, including eligibility for MassHealth, SNAP benefits and child care if the parent is working or doing any approved Work Program or education or training activities. 

       

  • Domestic Violence Rights

    DTA has domestic violence specialists who specifically help apply for domestic violence waivers and can refer to appropriate services outside of DTA. Your DTA worker should refer you to a specialist if you tell them that you have experienced domestic violence. You can talk to the specialist at any time, even if you decide not to at first. Call the DTA office and ask to speak to the domestic violence specialist. Each domestic violence specialist covers several offices, so it's best practice to call ahead if you want to talk with a specialist. Current list of DTA Domestic Violence Specialists (9/18).

    • Can one receive benefits if they can't give the DTA all the required documents?

      DTA can ask for proof of certain facts to make sure that one qualifies for welfare. But if they left an abusive relationship, they may not have all of their paperwork, and it might not be safe to try to get it.

      DTA workers should help a survivor figure out how to get the documents safely. The worker also should help the applicant get the documents if they have trouble getting them on their own. For some proofs, the worker should accept a written statement from them, called a “self-declaration,” if they can't get other types of documents.

      Survivors should tell the DTA worker if they are having trouble getting the proofs that they have asked for. The law says that the worker must help.

    • Does DTA need information about the abusive father of a child so they can seek child support?

      There is a rule saying that applicants must give the state information about the father of a child and help the state get child support from him if they want to get TAFDC, but this rule does not apply to domestic violence survivors who are worried about the safety of their child.

      If this is the case, survivors can tell their worker that they have "good cause for noncooperation with child support enforcement." The worker should then give the applicant a form to fill out.

      If the applicant asks for "good cause," the worker will ask for some proof of the domestic violence. The following documents count as proof for "good cause":

      • a copy of a restraining order, or
      • a medical or police report, or
      • a letter from a social service agency, or
      • a letter from someone else who knows about the domestic violence, like a family member or friend.

    • What are domestic violence waivers?

      • If an applicant cannot meet a welfare (TAFDC) rule because of current or past domestic violence, they can ask for a "domestic violence waiver" of that rule. A "domestic violence waiver" of a TAFDC rule stops that rule from applying to them.

    An applicant may be able to get a waiver of a TAFDC rule if they can show that if they had to follow the rule it would:

    • put them or their child at risk of more domestic violence; or
    • make it harder to escape from domestic violence; or
    • make it harder to recover from domestic violence; or
    • have a worse effect on them than it would on someone who has not lived with domestic violence.


    An applicant can get a domestic violence waiver of almost any TAFDC rule. People most commonly get waivers from: the time limit rule, the work requirement rule, or teen school attendance rules.

  • Teen Living Programs (for Teen Parents)
    • Apply through DTA when applying for TAFDC. Let DTA know that you can’t live with your parents to begin a process to see if a Teen Living Program would be a good fit.
      • If you are under 18 and can't live with your mother or father tell DTA. A teen specialist under contract with DSS will contact you and look at whether you can continue with your parents, in a teen living program, or on your own.
      • You should not be forced to live at home if you fear abuse, if your parent(s) refuse to support you, there is substance abuse in the home, if the home has code violations, OR if there are any other "extraordinary circumstances." The teen specialist’s job is to find out why you cannot live at home and make a recommendation Be sure to tell her ALL the reasons.
      • You can also ask your school guidance counselor or other professionals who know you to call or write the teen specialist.
      • If the teen specialist agrees you cannot go home, DTA may find you a teen living program to go or advise you of the waiver rules for 17 year olds.
      • Waivers for 17 year olds: Teens who are 17 years old and cannot live with your parents can request a special "waiver" to live on their own if: a) in a good living situation, b) in school full-time in good standing, c) have stable child care and d) are participating in a teen parenting program.

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  • Employment Services Program (ESP)
    • What is the Employment Services Program?

      DTA’s Employment Services Program (ESP) covers employment, education, and training services for TAFDC recipients and some former TAFDC recipients. ESP includes community service, job search, education, and training. ESP also provides child care for TAFDC recipients who are working or participating in a DTA-approved education or training program and provides some transportation assistance for TAFDC recipients in approved education or training programs. Whether or not an applicant has a work requirement, their case manager will work with them to pick the best program to help them get on a path to economic stability. 

    • For more information and for a list of ESP programs, see mass.gov.

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  • Child Care

    • There are special child care rules for TAFDC recipients and applicants, former TAFDC recipients (in the 12-month period after receiving TAFDC), and teen parents. Unlike other low-income families, these families do not have to go on a wait list for a subsidy. Eligible current recipients and applicants and teen parents referred for child care by DTA do not have to a pay a fee.


    See our DTA Child Care Services (TAFDC) page for more detailed information.

 

  • Lump Sums
    • What is lump sum income?

      Lump sum income is money that one does not get regularly, such as a lottery award, an inheritance, a lawsuit award or settlement, or an award for back unemployment compensation. If a recipient or their children get this money while they are on TAFDC, they will be ineligible for TAFDC for a certain number of months. This number of months is equal to the amount of the lump sum divided by the monthly standard of need for their family size. The first $600 can be deducted from the lump sum income. (More: What is lump sum income and why is it a problem?, Mass Legal Help)

    • Can you exclude any money from the lump sum rule?

      Income that is not counted can be excluded. The $600 deduction can be excluded. Money from a lawsuit or settlement that was intended to replace property or to reimburse expenses used to pay for or replace these items can be excluded. Money that someone (like a landlord or a utility company) refunded to you can be excluded if it was originally paid using cash assistance benefits. Up to $7,500 in relocation payments can be excluded if they were used to help leave a foreclosed property plus additional amounts used for relocation expenses. In addition, money can be excluded if it was spent for back bills incurred while waiting for the lump sum, but only if the money was spent on:

      • medical care or health insurance,
      • transportation costs (up to $150 per month),
      • purchase, replacement or repair of basic household furniture or specific appliances (does not include television or other electronic equipment) up to $2,500,
      • basic repairs to a home up to $2,500, provided they own the home,
      • court-ordered judgments, including child support or alimony,
      • taxes and other debts to the government.

      If someone else paid for these things and they were then paid back with the lump sum, this money can be deducted. However, there must be written verification that the money was owed and the lump sum was used to pay the debt.

      Sometimes money can be excluded if it was received because of injury to a legally incompetent person (a child is legally incompetent)- if the money is placed in an irrevocable trust for the injured person and is restricted for certain purposes. A lawyer will need to set up the trust.

      More information: Can you exclude any money from the lump sum rule?, Mass Legal Help.

    • What happens if you run out of money before the lump sum time is up?

      A lump sum period of ineligibility can be recalculated only if:

      • the money had to be spent or if it was lost because of a natural disaster,
      • because of domestic violence the money had to be spent on daily living expenses,
      • money was spent on the expenses listed in Excluding money from the lump-sum rule,
      • they were not eligible for SNAP (food stamps) and spent the money on food, or
      • the TAFDC standard of need increased because their assistance unit is bigger than it was when their period of ineligibility was calculated or for some other reason. 

      More information: What happens if you run out of money before the lump sum time is up?

       

  • Forms

 

 

  • EAEDC Details

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    • Determining Disability
      • Under EAEDC rules, one is considered disabled if:
        • they have one or more impairments;
        • that substantially reduce ability to support oneself; and
        • that will last at least 60 days.
      • This means one cannot perform full-time work of any sort.
      • Proving Disability
        • You can prove disability for EAEDC without a medical review if:
          • You receive a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) approving you for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security (SSDI) but you do not have those benefits yet; or
          • You have received a favorable SSI or SSDI decision from an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) but are not yet receiving SSI or SSDI.
        • You can qualify for EAEDC disability by having your medical professional to fill out an EAEDC Medical Report. If you are not already receiving MassHealth, the DTA office should give you a temporary MassHealth card to pay for all the medical examinations and tests you need to have the medical report completed and to establish disability. Then you must fill out a Disability Supplement. These documents and any other medical records available are then reviewed by the UMass Medical School Disability Evaluation Service (DES).
        • You can get EAEDC if you are actively participating in a training and/or rehabilitation program with the Mass. Rehabilitation Commission (MRC). To qualify, DTA will ask for a letter from MRC describing the program you will be participating in as well as a copy of the medical reports MRC used to determine disability.
      • For more information:
    • Financial Eligibility
      • There are special income rules for those applying in the "caring for someone who is disabled" and the "caretaker families" categories - see below
        • Assets - 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.

        • Income
          • NON-countable income, includes but is not limited to:
            • Money from social service agencies providing assistance to the recipient
            • Some income from a current job.
            • Income/assets of an SSI recipient living with you
            • federal higher education grants, loans and work study
            • any loan that cannot be used to meet current living expenses
          • Countable income, includes but is not limited to:
            • Unemployment Benefits
            • Pension
            • SSI
            • Social Security
            • If you have income that is not from a current job, this money will be deducted dollar for dollar against from your grant (some exceptions).
            • There are special income and asset rules for those applying in the "caring for someone who is disabled" and the "caretaker families" categories (see below)

             

        • Grant Amounts (also used as income limits) for an individual (EAEDC benefits have not increased since 1987.):

          • Family Size
          Grant (Monthly)
          1
          $303.70
          2
          $395.10
          3
          $486.60
          4
          $578.20
          5
          $669.80

          *The grant amounts are lower if you live with another person getting benefits.

          • Note: as of November 2018, there is no longer a homelessness penalty. See EAEDC Homeless Penalty Ending- MGH Community News, August 2018.
          • Spouses on EAEDC: $202.50/mo each
          • Benefits Chart that includes all living situations
            • Note: changes to living category D have not been updated in the benefit chart; as of November 2018 people who are homeless should receive a full benefit.

           

          • Special Financial Rules for those Caring for a Disabled Person - EAEDC looks at finances for both the caretaker and the disabled person. The disabled person must not have income above $1,500 per month . Exception: none of the income or assets of an SSI recipient are countable. When applying under this category, DTA will ask for proof of the person's disability and need for care.

           

          • Special Financial Rules for "Caretaker Families"- those caring for an unrelated minor child (distant relation, god-child, friend, neighbor) have the option to get EAEDC benefits just for the child. If applying just for the child, the unrelated adult will not be included in the EAEDC grant and his/her income and assets will not be counted. (Note: EAEDC requires caretaker to get legal custody within 6 months unless good cause, but legal custody does not necessarily mean one is financially responsible for the child, so can continue benefits if otherwise remain eligible.)

           

      • Application Verifications/Proof
        • If possible bring all necessary paperwork to your local DTA on the first visit. This generally includes:
          • Proof of address (such as a lease or utility bill)
          • Proof of who you are (for example, your driver's license, voter registration, birth certificate), or, if not available, a statement from someone who knows you personally
          • Two letters verifying address
          • Birth certificate
          • Social security number (applicant does not need to have physical card to apply - just need the number)
          • Bank account information, if applicable
          • Car registration, if applicable
          • Proof of your legal immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen, such as a copy of your green card, work authorization, documents or receipts from immigration authorities, statement from an attorney representing you or other proof of your status
        • After meeting with an intake worker, the applicant should be given a list of verifications needed to complete the application.
        • The applicant has 22 days to bring in the proofs or verifications to receive a first payment within 30 days. There is an automatic 8-day extension if all the proofs are not in by the 22nd day. The applicant can request, in writing, an additional 15 day extension if more time is needed.
        • DTA has 30 days, from the date of application, if all verifications are submitted in a timely manner, to render a decision.
        • More on time limits for submitting proofs and appeal rights: How much time do I have to bring in proofs? - (Mass Legal Services)

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      • Benefits
        You will get half of your monthly grant twice a month.
        • SNAP
          Most EAEDC recipients also qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formally called food stamps) since the EAEDC grant is well within the SNAP income limits. Your eligibility for SNAP will depend on who you live with and if you “purchase and prepare” most of your food with others or separately. SNAP also has different immigrant status rules than EAEDC. For more information on SNAP, see our SNAP page.
        • Health Insurance
          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. When you are found eligible for EAEDC, you will automatically qualify for MassHealth. You will receive a MassHealth card and your coverage will begin right away.
        • Additional Benefits
          • Up to $1,100 for funeral and burial expenses for a deceased EAEDC applicant or recipient who does not have the resources to pay for funeral and burial. This payment is also available to other deceased persons found without resources for a burial.
          • Relocation benefit of up to $1000 to secure permanent housing (by paying for expenses such as advance rent, security deposit, rent or utility arrears, storage, moving costs, or critical household furniture or equipment) for EAEDC households with children who have been in an emergency shelter or a domestic violence shelter or a temporary housing arrangement provided through the Department of Housing and Community Development for 60 days or more and for some older teens who have been in a teen living program for 60 days or more.
          • Subject to available funding, DTA will pay for transportation costs if you need to move out of state. 
        • Under a state law, EAEDC cash benefits cannot pay for:

          • alcohol,
          • cigarettes or other tobacco products,
          • lottery tickets or other gambling,
          • jewelry,
          • vacation services,
          • court ordered fees, fines, bail or bail bonds,
          • tattoos or body piercings,
          • firearms and ammunition,
          • pornographic material or performances, or
          • a television, stereo, video game or console at a rent-to-own store.

           

      • Appeals
        If DTA denies benefits, or stops or lowers your benefits, you can ask for a "fair hearing." A fair hearing is a formal meeting at the local DTA office or a formal telephone or video conference. A hearings officer runs the hearing and decides who is right. 
        • Sample request form: English | Spanish
        • You can ask for a hearing by:                               
          • sending a fax to Division of Hearings, FAX 617-348-5311, or
          • sending to DTA Hearings, P.O. Box 4017, Taunton, MA, 02780-0314.

        In most situations, DTA must give you at least 10 days advance notice before your benefits are stopped or reduced. You can ask for a hearing if your benefits are stopped or reduced or if DTA says you were overpaid. In most situations, if your benefits are being cut off or reduced, you can keep your benefits while you are waiting for a hearing decision by making sure that the Division of Hearings gets your fair hearing request no later than 10 days after it sent notice of the cut-off or reduction, or before the effective date of the action, whichever is later.

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      • More Information/Reference

         

       

    Rev 9/18