Cash Assistance Programs in Massachusetts

Each state department in the US provide assistance programs for its citizens. In Massachusetts, there are financial assistance programs that you can apply to, depending on your situation.

Here’s a primer to guide you to different government programs offered to individuals or families who need cash assistance based on the benefits compliance standards.

TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children) Program

This is a program that is managed by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) that offers temporary cash aid and other supportive services to individuals, children, and families. The benefits offered include:

• Health insurance
• Training, education, and employment opportunities
• Cash management
• Monthly cash payments to help you achieve your objectives

Who qualifies for (each of) these programs?

Every individual has the right and an opportunity to apply for assistance offered by the DTA, however, one should meet the following requirements to be eligible for the benefits:

• Be a U.S. citizen, a qualified alien, or a legal alien
• Be a resident of Massachusetts
• Have little or no income

Alternatively, they should at least meet one of the following:

• Be pregnant
• Have a child 18 years and below
• Be 18 years old or below and head of the family

How do I apply for this program?

To access this service, you can apply online through the DTA application portal. To get more information, visit the TAFDC page or call the relevant unit at 1-800-249-2007.
You will need some critical information with you during the application process such as income, birth date, and social security number.

How long does it take?

The set time limit for receiving TAFDC benefits is 24 months to 5 years. The members get an update via a letter every three months into the benefit. You can ask for an adjustment if you disagree with the counting of the months. Alternatively, you may request an extension once the 5-year period is over.

There are exceptions to the time limit if you are:

• A teen parent
• Pregnant – 33 weeks or beyond
• Disabled (with medical evidence)
• Taking care of a child who is below 2 years old
• 60 years and older

However, to extend your benefit, the DTA makes this decision based on:

• Your compliance with DTA’s guidelines
• If you participated in work activities
• If you turned down work offers or resigned without a satisfying reason
• If there are better childcare and jobs in your region

Will I have to pay the money back?

No. The cash assistance program is not to be paid back if you meet the income requirements – below 200% of the poverty line. To avoid overpayment, one should meet the TAFDC work rules. Again, you should report any changes in your income to the DTA immediately for review to avoid overpayments which must be paid back.

What can the money be used for?

You can use the funds to meet basic needs such as food, rent, clothing, or other necessities based on the family's needs.

How much money could I get?

The amount of money you may receive highly depends on the size of your household. Also, your gross income monthly and house subsidy will determine how much you can get. For instance:

• The maximum amount as per the family size:

For families with more than 10 individuals, each additional member gets $139.

Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance

This is a program that offers temporary financial assistance to unemployed individuals when it is not their fault.

The benefit is administered by the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) which calculates and receives contributions from employers concerning the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program.

Who qualifies for (each of) these programs?

Have you lost your job or had your working hours immensely reduced? You might qualify for UI benefits based on Massachusetts eligibility. You must meet the following requirements:

• Be a resident of Massachusetts
• Be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Be unemployed
• Have worked in Massachusetts for the past 12 months or more
• To have earned a minimum salary or wage as per the guidelines – the household size of 1 annual income should be below $25,142 (gross)
• Seeking a job opportunity actively while receiving the benefit 

How do I apply for the program?

The application can be done online or submit your application to your local offices. This must be done in your first week of unemployment.
To apply for the UI benefit, you need to provide personal information like birth date, home address, social security number, phone number, or email address. Also, you need to disclose:

• Name and contact details of your previous employers
• Reasons for leaving work
• Dates you started and left employment
• Date for recall – in case you might be returning to work

How long does it take?

After application, it may take 21 to 28 days for the application to be processed. However, it may take longer if your claim has an issue. While waiting for the approval, you should request weekly benefits.

If you are eligible for the benefits, your payment will be made until you can get a job or resume work.

Will I have to pay the money back?

No, however, there are federal income taxes that you should pay on the benefit you receive. The taxes are not withheld automatically, and you can make this request to the DUA when filing your claim. In the case of overpayment, you are supposed to repay the money as per the DUA rules. 

What can the money be used for?

There are no restrictions on using the benefit funds. This solely depends on the person’s or household's needs. It could be for medical expenses, food, fees, rent, or clothing.

How much money could I get?

You can get about 50% of your weekly wage on average up to the maximum limit determined by the law. A weekly benefit that you can get is $1015 maximum.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

This is administered by the DTA for the residents of Massachusetts. The program has several benefits including:

• Monthly payments to purchase food through an EBT card
• Free training and education opportunities
• Nutrition resources and education for free
• Utility discounts. Discounted programs – internet, admissions to museums, and cultural organizations

Who qualifies for this program?

• Eligibility for SNAP relies on the income, expenses, and number of people in a household.

In addition, one must be:

• U.S. citizen or legal alien
• Resident of Massachusetts
• The household should be earning below the poverty line as per state/federal law

How do I apply for the program?

The application is done online through the DTA connect website. Be sure to update information on income, expenses, social security numbers, and birth dates.  

How long does it take?

The application process takes about 20 minutes to submit. The decision is made within 30 working days. If approved, you will receive the benefits on your EBT card. 

Will I have to pay the money back?

No, unless there is an overpayment done on your EBT which you should pay back. If this happens, you should notify the DTA immediately to avoid accumulation or penalty with time and determine how you can repay the claim. 

What can the money be used for?

SNAP benefits have restrictions. You can only use the money to pay rent and utility bills and buy food items from verified online stores or grocers. You cannot use it for casinos, jewelry, gambling, lottery, weapons, bail bonds, or drugs.

How much money could I get?

SNAP benefits are determined based on the size of the household, expenses, income, and other factors. A household of 2 can get about $215 - $516 in a month. A single household is eligible for a maximum of $281 per month. Click here for more information.