What other benefits do TAFDC recipients get?

DTA will pay

• up to $300 for a newborn infant if you ask for the money before the baby is six months old. You do not need to ask in writing. DTA calls this a “crib and layette” payment. You can use it for anything you need for the baby. 106 C.M.R. § 705.600; DTA Transitions, Aug. 2007, p. 5.
  • DTA is supposed to tell you about benefits you may be eligible for. If DTA knew you had a baby less than six months old and didn’t suggest you apply for the infant benefit payment, you can ask for the benefit after the baby is six months old.
• a “relocation” benefit up to $1,000 for expenses related to moving to permanent housing, such as advance rent, security deposit, rent or utility arrears, storage, moving costs, or critical household furniture or equipment for recipients who have been in an emergency shelter, a domestic violence shelter or a temporary housing arrangement provided through the Department of Housing and Community Development for 60 days or more and for some older teens who have been in a teen living program for 60 days or more. 106 C.M.R. § 705.350; DTA Operations Memos 2012-19 (Apr. 25, 2012) and 2011-48 (Nov. 3, 2011); DTA Online Guide (Relocation Benefit Overview); DTA Transitions, May 2008, p. 8, Feb. 2007, p. 4.
• up to $1,100 for funeral and burial expenses for a TAFDC applicant or recipient and other people who do not have resources to pay for funeral and burial. Total expenses cannot exceed $3,500. 106 C.M.R. §§ 705.700-705.710; DTA Operations Memo 2012-35 (July 23, 2012); DTA Transitions, Sept. 2012, pp. 5-6.

You are also eligible for education and training services and payment for HiSET (high school equivalency) testing under the Pathways to Work Program and for child care if you are working or in an approved education, training or job search program. You may be eligible for transportation assistance. See links below

• What is the Pathways to Work Program?

• What are your Pathways to Work choices?

• Can you get money for transportation?

After your TAFDC case closes you may be eligible for subsidized child care, see Who is eligible for child care through DTA?, and for a temporary cash stipend, see Can you get Transitional cash benefits after you leave TAFDC?

Homeless families and pregnant women may also be eligible for emergency shelter through the Department of Housing and Community Development. Apply by calling 866-584-0653 or at your local DTA office if it is open. See Find Emergency Family Shelter.