What if you need help right away?

You can get help with immediate needs for housing expenses, food, or health insurance within 24 hours of your application. 106 C.M.R. § 702.125(F). Be sure to tell the worker if you need help with immediate needs. DTA is supposed to screen you to determine if you qualify for an immediate needs payment. DTA Operations Memo 2013-35 (July 26, 2013).

Rent, Utilities or Fuel

If you need help right away with rent, utilities or fuel and you appear to be eligible, you can get an advance on your TAFDC benefits to pay for these things. The advance will be paid as a voucher to the landlord, utility or fuel company.

Food

You may qualify for emergency or “expedited” SNAP (food stamp) benefits. If not, you can get an advance on your TAFDC benefits to pay for food.

MassHealth

DTA can give you a temporary MassHealth card.