Basic requirements
You may qualify for EAEDC if you are:
- Unable to work due to your own disability that will last at least 60 days.
- Over 65 years old and are not receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Living with and taking care of a child who is not or is distantly related to you.
- Participating in a Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission program.
- Living in the same home as, and taking care of, a disabled person who would otherwise have to move to an institution.
You must meet certain requirements to get Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC). While you’re thinking about applying, keep these rules in mind.
To receive EAEDC, you must:
- Live in Massachusetts.
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible legal noncitizen.
- Be income eligible.
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, a $200 deduction is allowed.
How to apply
Apply.
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.
Complete an interview.
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.
Verify your income and other information.
Here is a list of documents we may need to process your EAEDC application. If you send these documents in with your application, DTA can decide faster. DTA will let you know if we need more information.
Many things can be verified by providing the information on your application, if you do not know the exact amount at the time of completing the application, these can be submitted later.
Get text and email updates.
If you give us a cell phone number that can get text messages and/or an email address, you will get messages from DTA about your application and case status. You can also check your case status on DTA Connect.
Note: Access to DTA Connect will start about one business day after you apply.
Get a decision.
DTA will send a decision within 30 days.
You will get a letter in the mail telling you if you qualify. 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. Your letter tells you how you can file an appeal.
Do not wait to apply – benefits go back to the date of application if you are approved!
If you are approved for EAEDC benefits.
You will be assigned a EAFDC certification period. Every EAEDC household has a certification period based on their household situation. Your certification period tells you a few things about your case including:
- How long you’ll get benefits before we review your case for renewal;
- When/if you need to check in; and
- What information you need to report.
Do not wait to apply – benefits go back to the date of application if you are approved!
MassHealth Coverage
If approved for EAEDC you automatically get MassHealth, too! Click here for more details on MassHealth coverage for cash benefits clients.
Contact for Emergency Aid to the Elderly Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
Phone
The DTA Assistance Line is open from 8:15 A.M. to 4:45 P.M.