To receive EAEDC, you must:
- Live in Massachusetts
- Be a U.S. citizen or a certain kind of legal noncitizen
- Meet an income limit
Basic requirements
EAEDC can help you if you are:
- Unable to work due to your own disability that will last at least 60 days
- Over 65 years old and waiting for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to begin
- Living with and taking care of a child who is not closely related to you
- Participating in a Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission program
- Required in the home to take care of a disabled person who would otherwise have to move to an institution
Income limits
The income limits are based on living arrangement, which is who you live with or where you live. There are several different living arrangements, each with a different income limit. Use your gross income to see if you qualify. Gross income is the amount before taxes or other deductions.
Living arrangement | Household size | Monthly income |
---|---|---|
You live alone. Or, you live with your spouse or children who don’t get TAFDC or EAEDC. You have shelter costs. | 1 2 Each additional household member | $401.00 $521.70 + $121.00 |
You live with your spouse who gets TAFDC for your stepchild(ren). | 1 2 Each additional household member | $121.00 $241.90 + $121.00 |
You live with your spouse who gets EAEDC personally or TAFDC for a young extended family member. You have shelter costs. | 1 2 Each additional household member | $267.30 $347.80 + $80.80 |
You live in a halfway house or an institution like a psychiatric hospital, licensed nursing home, or residential treatment center. | 1 | $72.80 |
You do not have a place to live or you live in a shelter during the night. You have no shelter costs. | 1 2 Each additional household member | $401.00 $521.70 +$121.00 |
You live in a licensed rest home, also known as a residential care facility. | 1 | The facility’s monthly rate plus $72.80. |
You live in a therapeutic community center. | 1 | $258.80 |
If you are applying because you are caring for a disabled person, the disabled person’s income cannot be more than $1,500 monthly.
Deductions
A deduction is the amount of your income that doesn't count. If your income is from a job, deductions are allowed as follows:
- $200
- The cost of child care (restrictions apply)
How to apply
You can apply for EAEDC by calling your local DTA office or online.
MassHealth Coverage
Approved for EAEDC? You automatically get MassHealth, too! Click here for more details on MassHealth coverage for cash benefits clients.
Contact for Check EAEDC eligibility and how to apply
Phone
The DTA Assistance Line is open from 8:15 A.M. to 4:45 P.M.