Which families experiencing homeless are eligible for EA?

EA is available for some:

• children under age 21 who are experiencing homelessness as well as their families, including parents, stepparents, other close relatives or legal guardians who are primary caretakers of the child/ren, and/or
• pregnant people at any stage of pregnancy who are experiencing homelessness, and the pregnant person’s spouse. See 760 CMR 67.02(1),

who meet financial and other eligibility rules. See:

• What is the EA income limit?
• What income is and is not counted for EA?
• What is the asset limit for EA?
• What are the EA transfer of asset rules?
• Which families qualify as "homeless enough" for EA?
• What kind of health and safety risk is serious enough for eligibility under category number 4?
• Can you be denied shelter even if you are homeless enough and are financially eligible for EA?
• Can you get EA if you are not a citizen or not a Massachusetts resident?

Note

DHCD has said that you do not need to be married to qualify as a “spouse” or “step-parent”; they can include persons with whom the parent or pregnant person is “involved as a couple in an inter-dependent relationship that is intended to be long-term.” See Housing Stabilization Notice 2011-02.