What is the EA income limit?

For applicants. To be eligible for Emergency Assistance as an applicant, your family’s gross monthly income must be no more than 115% of the federal poverty limit for your family size. The federal poverty limit usually goes up slightly in January or February each year. As of September 1, 2010, the EA eligibility standards for applicants were:

Remember:

These limits usually increase each January or February

EA looks at your gross income, not net income after deductions. 106 C.M.R. § 309.020

If you expect your income to go down, DHCD should use the best estimate of income for the next month. 106 C.M.R. § 702.920. See Which income is and is not counted for EA? for which income does and does not count for EA.

For families receiving EA. If you are receiving EA benefits and your gross income goes over the EA eligibility standard, you can continue to receive benefits for six months unless you become ineligible for another reason. To receive benefits, including shelter, for the next six months, you

• must save the amount by which your income exceeds the income limit (this is in addition to what you must save under your EA Rehousing Plan, see What is a Rehousing Plan?),
• may not withdraw the saved money until you leave shelter (except to pay costs directly related to getting permanent housing or for other purposes approved by your DHCD worker), and
• must follow all other EA rules. 106 C.M.R. § 309.020 (E). 

In special situations, DHCD may extend your EA benefits beyond the six months. 106 C.M.R. § 309.020 (E). Ask your DHCD worker if you need more time to find housing.

Advocacy Tips

• Before using any of your saved money, ask your worker or your shelter provider if the spending is allowed and try to get approval in writing.
• One-time “lump sum” income, such as a personal injury settlement, does not cause a period of ineligibility for EA as it does for TAFDC. See 106 C.M.R. § 309.020 (E).