The time limit was suspended during the pandemic. The rules below are the rules before the pandemic.
Extensions are approved for a maximum of three months.106 C.M.R. § 703.130(B). DTA Online Guide (Extension Introduction).
If your extension is approved, you should get a letter saying when your extension will end. You can ask for another extension before the extension ends.
Advocacy Reminders
- DTA may say you have to use the extension to find a full-time job. If that is not practical for you, contact your local legal services program, Appendix D: Massachusetts Legal Services Offices.
- Because of a court order, DTA must allow the same income deductions for families applying for or receiving an extension as DTA allows for other families. See