85. What other benefits do TAFDC recipients get?

DTA will pay

• up to $300 for an infant who is less than six months old. DTA sometimes pays this benefit without your asking for it, but it is a good idea to ask for it. 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 Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities 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); Appendix E (DTA Online Guide Links); 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 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. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will pay for HiSET (high school equivalency) tests. See the following questions:

• 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 getting transitional cash benefits after you leave TAFDC.

Homeless families and pregnant individuals may also be eligible for emergency shelter through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Apply by calling 866-584-0653 or at your local DTA office if it is open. See Mass.gov/how-to/find-emergency-family-shelter.