When you go to a DTA office to apply with DHCD for EA, you should bring as many documents as you have that you think will help show you are eligible for EA. But if you need shelter right away, DHCD is not allowed to deny you shelter just because you do not have the kind of proof (verification) it wants at the time you apply.
If you appear to be eligible based on your own statements and other information available to DHCD (such as information in the DTA and DHCD computer systems), DHCD must place you in shelter and give you 30 days to get necessary verifications. 106 C.M.R. § 309.040(A)(3). See also Housing Stabilization Notice 2009-2 under Emergency Assistance and DHCD/DHS Policy Materials in the Benefits section of MassLegalServices.org.
If you need help getting verifications, your DHCD worker or the shelter provider should help you get them after you are placed in shelter.
Advocacy Tip
If DHCD denies you EA because you do not have the documents they want and you need shelter right away, ask to talk to a DHCD supervisor or call DHCD's toll-free Recipient Services number at 1-877-418-3308. If that does not work, file again and contact an advocate.
Produced by Ruth Bourquin, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute Last updated October 2011
