What Benefits Will I Get?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How much cash assistance will I get?
The maximum amount you can get each month is called the EAEDC Standard of Assistance. The Standard of Assistance depends on your family size, your living situation (whether you have shelter costs, are homeless, or institutionalized), and whether you live with other people getting TAFDC/EAEDC.
The actual amount you will get each month also depends on your income. If your net countable income (see What is net countable income?) is greater than the Standard of Assistance that applies to you, you will not be eligible for EAEDC. If it is less, your net countable income will be subtracted from the Standard of Assistance to determine your monthly EAEDC cash benefit.
The Standard of Assistance shown in the table below is for people who pay rent, mortgage, or other shelter costs, and who do not live with spouses who get EAEDC or children who get TAFDC. It shows the maximum monthly EAEDC cash benefit, by family size.
EAEDC Standard of Assistance
for families with shelter costs
(revised July 1, 2003)
| Family Size |
Maximum EAEDC Monthly Benefit |
| 1 |
$303.70 |
| 2 |
$395.10 |
| 3 |
$486.60 |
| 4 |
$578.20 |
| 5 |
$669.80 |
| 6 |
$761.10 |
| each additional person |
$91.60 |
The amounts are different if you live with someone who gets EAEDC or TAFDC, or if you have no shelter costs. Homeless individuals without shelter costs get $92.80 per month, for example, and people in licensed nursing homes and other approved institutions get $72.80 per month, minus their countable income.
What other benefits will I get?
In addition to cash assistance, you will get these benefits:
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You will automatically get MassHealth Basic health coverage.
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If you have a newborn baby, you can get crib and layette expenses up to $300. You must ask for this benefit before your baby is six months old.
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The DTA will pay funeral and burial expenses up to $1,100 as long as the total cost does not exceed $1,500 and there are no relatives or friends to pay these expenses.
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The DTA will pay transportation costs if you need to move out of state.
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The DTA will pay up to $1000 for moving expenses to permanent housing if you have been in an emergency shelter or domestic violence shelter for 60 days or more.
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EAEDC recipients usually qualify for food stamps.
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Some EAEDC recipients are eligible for emergency shelter through the Emergency Assistance (EA) program. Check with your DTA worker.
Note: You should ask for these benefits at the DTA office. Make your request in writing and keep a copy for yourself. You want to have proof of your request in case you need to have a hearing.
For how long can I get EAEDC?
There is no time limit for EAEDC. However, the DTA will review your case on a regular basis, usually every 6 months. It will also review your case if it believes there has been a change in your eligibility, or if the Disability Evaluation Service (DES) asks them to review your disability.
Are there emergency benefits I can get the same day?
If you appear to be eligible and you need help right away, you can get an advance on your EAEDC benefits within 24 hours. These benefits include the following:
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Rent and utility vouchers: You can pay your landlord and utility company directly with these vouchers. The amount of these vouchers will be subtracted from your first EAEDC payment.
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Food vouchers: If you are not eligible for emergency food stamps, you can get food vouchers that you can use at a supermarket or other food store. The amount of these vouchers will be subtracted from your first EAEDC payment.
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Temporary MassHealth: You can get a temporary MassHealth card that you can use to visit a doctor to evaluate your disability or for other medical needs. If you are approved for EAEDC, you will get a regular MassHealth card.
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