36. What if I just arrived in Massachusetts? What if I am homeless?
You have to live in Massachusetts to get EAEDC, but:
- You don't have to have a permanent or fixed address. You can be eligible if you are homeless. 106 C.M.R. §703.340. You need to show that you live in the area covered by the office where you applied. DTA must accept a written or oral statement from someone who knows your situation, or your own statement.
- Even if you just arrived in Massachusetts, you can qualify if you just arrived if you intend to live here or came for a job or to look for work. However, if you came to Massachusetts "solely for the purpose of obtaining EAEDC," you are not eligible. 106 C.M.R. § 320.340.
- Certain temporary absences from the state for up to 60 days are allowed, such as for illness, school, business or family commitments. In very limited circumstances, you may receive permission from DTA to be gone from the state for more than 60 days. 106 C.M.R. § 703.360.
Advocacy Reminder:
- DTA may try to deny your benefits if you came to Massachusetts so you or your child can go to school. 106 C.M.R. § 703.340. But you should qualify if you intend to live here even if you came for school reasons. You can show you intend to live here by registering to vote or by making plans to stay after graduation. See an advocate.
- DTA may try to close your case if you use your EBT card continuously outside of Massachusetts for 70 days. DTA Operations Memo 2013-34 (July 26, 2013). You may have to prove you are a Massachusetts resident to keep your benefits. See DTA Transitions, Sept. 2013, p. 5-6. Consult an advocate if that is a problem for you.
DTA Policy Guidance: