Get case information and make certain updates to your case 24/7 via the automated prompts. Talk to a case manager between 8:15am-4:45pm, M-F.
TAFDC is administered through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
When you receive TAFDC you may be eligible for:
You may be eligible if you:
and:
Is my income below the TAFDC limits?
Income limits: Your family's gross income must be under the income limit. (Gross income is the amount before things like taxes are taken out.)
How do I know if my family’s income is below the TAFDC limit?
| Family Size | Public or subsidized housing | Private housing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $513 | $553 |
| 2 | $648 | $688 |
| 3 | $783 | $823 |
| 4 | $912 | $952 |
| 5 | $1,045 | $1,085 |
| 6 | $1,183 | $1,223 |
| 7 | $1,316 | $1,356 |
| 8 | $1,448 | $1,488 |
| Each additional household member | +$139 | +139 |
What are the rules if I am a teen parent under age 18 and I live with my parent(s)?
If you are a teen parent and you live with your parent(s), their monthly gross income must be less than the amounts below.
| Family size | Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510 |
| 2 | $3,407 |
| 3 | $4,303 |
| 4 | $5,200 |
| 5 | $6,097 |
| 6 | $6,993 |
| 7 | $7,890 |
| 8 | $8,787 |
| Each additional household member | +$897 |
What are the Child Support rules for TAFDC?
Every child who gets TAFDC must have a child support case unless they live with both parents. But, you may not have to apply for child support for a child if you have experienced domestic violence or have safety concerns. Tell us if you are worried about this. Find out more here.
If you do not already have a child support order, DTA will connect you to the Department of Revenue (DOR). DOR can help you establish paternity and get a child support order.
The state of Massachusetts must keep any child support paid for children who get TAFDC. If a child’s parent (who does not live with the child) pays child support while you get TAFDC, you will get the first $50 each month. This is in addition to TAFDC.
When I apply, can DTA help connect me to employment and training services?
DTA will connect all applicants over 18 who can work to JobQuest - the online system connecting people to the MassHire Career Center network. Some applicants must register as part of their TAFDC application.
You can register now for access to free tools and resources to support your career pathway. DTA can also help you register after you apply. Learn more and register here.
What if I need a disability accommodation?
If you have a disability or health problem that makes it hard for you to do something DTA asks, you can ask for help. This is called an accommodation. If you need assistance, you can contact your case manager or call the DTA Assistance line to be connected to a Client Assistance Coordinator.
What if I have safety concerns or other issues because of domestic violence?
If you are dealing with the impacts of domestic violence, DTA can help. The Domestic Violence (DV) Unit can help address safety concerns and other impacts of domestic violence. Find your local DV specialist. If it is an emergency or after hours, call SAFELINK at (877) 785‐2020.
Online at DTAConnect.com.
Over the phone with your local office.
At a local DTA office (self-service options only) or community kiosk.
You can apply with just your name, address (if any), and signature. However, the more information you tell us in the application, the easier it is for us to process your application quickly.
We will schedule a phone interview. DTA will provide an interpreter if you need one. We will tell you what information or documentation you need to give us once we complete an interview with you.
Here is a list of documents we may need to process your TAFDC application. If you send these documents in with your application, DTA can make a decision faster. DTA will let you know if we need more information.
You can verify many things by providing the information during your interview, such as your share of the rent, utilities, and childcare expenses. If you do not know the exact amount at the time of completing the application, these can be submitted at a later time. You can send us the verifications in many ways; including on the DTA Connect app and website.
IMPORTANT: If you need help getting or submitting documents, contact your case manager. If you need help due to disability, you can also call the DTA Assistance Line to connect with a Client Assistance Coordinator.
We will give you an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card if you do not already have one. You may get the card in the mail before you are approved. If you have a bank account, you can set up Direct Deposit and your TAFDC benefits will go into your bank account.
We will approve or deny your application within 30 days. We will mail you a notice with the decision. You can also check DTA Connect for your case status and to see notices.
If we approve your application, we will tell you your benefit amount and when you will get your benefits. If we deny your application, we will tell you why. You can appeal the decision.
You will be assigned a TAFDC certification period. Every TAFDC household has a certification period based on their household situation. Your certification period tells you a few things about your case including:
Do not wait to apply – benefits go back to the date of application if you are approved![AG(1]
Also, once approved for TAFDC, you will receive a MassHealth card for each eligible family member. If you need health services before your card arrives, call your case manager and ask for your temporary MassHealth ID number. Contact MassHealth for questions on your MassHealth coverage.
After approval for TAFDC, you have access to benefits including DTA’s Pathways to Work programs and child care and transportation benefits.
DTA’s free education, training and employment programs can help you address things that make it hard for you to work and prepare for a job. Under the TAFDC work rules, some parents must participate in an activity or work to get TAFDC.
DTA will give you a referral for a free child care and extra cash to help pay for transportation so that you can participate in these programs.
Get case information and make certain updates to your case 24/7 via the automated prompts. Talk to a case manager between 8:15am-4:45pm, M-F.
