Law Overviews & Guides

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Comprehensive guides and overviews of legal topics intended for advocates; in general, do NOT code simple fact sheets or client education materials with this term.

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Massachusetts State Supplement Payment Levels

Disability Law Center
Massachusetts State Supplement Payment Levels for 2024

House Ways and Means FY 2025 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On April 10, 2024, the House Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2025 (FY 25), which is referred to as House 4600.  MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the Commonwealth.   Download…

Understanding immigrants' eligibility for MassHealth & other subsidized coverage, March 2024

Vicky Pulos, MLRI
This  updated March 2024 memo summarizes the current immigrant eligibility rules that MassHealth and the Health Connector use in making decisions about what kinds of coverage non-citizens with different kinds of status can receive. The update reflects federal law changes in 2021…

Unemployment Insurance: Helping Out-of-Work Clients Navigate the Unemployment System

GBLS, MLRI
Materials from the March 6, 2024 MLRI /MCLE  Basic Benefits training series on Unemployment Insurance. BBT UI Agenda (pdf) BBT Faculty Bios (pdf) 2024 UI power point slides (ppt) UI Q&A (pdf) See also the Unemployment Advocacy Guide.

Legal Advocacy Guides

Various
Links to various Legal Advocacy Guides on a range of poverty law topics. These Guides are generally available as downloadable PDFs.  If they are also available in "e-book" form, this will be noted and a direct link to the e-book provided. 2024 SNAP Advocacy Guide …

SNAP and the Dependent Care (Child Care) Deduction

MLRI
Households can self-declare their child care or adult dependent care costs:  SNAP policy allows households to self declare the costs of child care or adult dependent care - unless the information provided by the household appears questionable. This can be done on the…

EAEDC Cash Benefit Rights

MLRI
1.    What is EAEDC? EAEDC stands for "Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children."  It is a cash benefit. 2.    Who can get EAEDC?  You can get EAEDC if you are: disabled; or caring for someone who is disabled; or 65 or…

Federal Practice Manual for Legal Aid Attorneys

National Center for Law and Economic Justice
The National Center for Law and Economic Justice’s Federal Practice Manual for Legal Aid Attorneys guides legal aid and public interest lawyers through all stages of federal litigation. Previously coordinated by the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, this Revised 2024 Edition provides the most…

Housing Rights of Domestic Violence Survivors: A State and Local Law Compendium

National Housing Law Project
From the introduction to the compendium: The following is a compendium of state and local laws, enacted as of September 2023, that affect the housing rights of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. This compendium is designed to serve as a starting point for advocates conducting…

2024 SNAP Advocacy Guide

MLRI
An Advocate's Guide to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Massachusetts By Patricia Baker and Victoria Negus, January 2024 Edition An indispensable handbook for all who need to know about the SNAP program in Massachusetts. The SNAP Advocacy Guide provides…

The 2024 TAFDC Advocacy Guide

MLRI
An Advocate's Guide to the Massachusetts Welfare Rules for Families By Deborah Harris and Betsy Gwin, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, January 2024 Edition As described by MCLE: Using a simple question-and-answer format, this handbook guides advocates through the maze of TAFDC rules and…

Governor's FY 2025 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On January 24, 2024, Governor Healey released her budget proposal for fiscal year 2025 (FY 25), which is referred to as House 2. MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics impacting low-income residents of the Commonwealth. Download MLRI's preliminary analysis…

SNAP 101: Basic Benefits Training (BBT) Materials - January 2024

MLRI
Below are the powerpoints and materials from the January 24, 2024 SNAP training, presented as part of the MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training series. Advocates are also encouraged to review the MLRI SNAP Advocacy Guide also listed below. About the Faculty SNAP 101 Presentation Slides…

Common Reasons for SNAP Denials/Closures and Advocacy Tips`

MLRI
  We know that community organizations often have questions about what to do next when SNAP is denied or closed. This chart provides explanations around the most common reasons that SNAP is denied or closed, and what next steps to take - for example, when SNAP is denied for missing…

Advocacy Tips for Helping Older Adults Retain MassHealth

Victoria Pulos
Attached is a  powerpoint presentation with citations to authority describing pathways to MassHealth coverage for older adults in the community whose countable income  exceeds 100% FPL and/or whose countable assets exceed $2000/$3000. It is intended to assist legal aid lawyers and…

2024 SSI Payment Chart and Thresholds

Disability Law Center
SSI Payment Charts effective 1/1/2024

SSI For Children in Massachusetts (Effective January, 2024)

DPH, Division for Children and Youth with Special Needs
Attached is the 2024 version of SSI for Massachusetts Children 2024, aka the Parent to Child Deeming Screening Chart.

How Money Damages and Settlements Impact Selected Public Benefits

MLRI
The following chart provides an overview of the income and asset limits for common public benefits, healthcare, and housing assistance programs, and highlight rules regarding the treatment of lump sums from money damages payments and settlements. The chart is primarily intended for use by legal…

MassHealth after incarceration

Isabel Wanner
Attached is a flyer prepared by MLRI's Health Justice Advocate Isabel Wanner explaining what to do if someone is at risk of losing MassHealth or Health Connector benefits based on incorrect or out of date information that they are incarcerated. The Flyer is in English & Spanish Also attached…

2023 Emergency Assistance Advocacy Guide

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
A Guide to Emergency Shelter and Re-housing Services for Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness in Massachusetts By Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, October 2023 Edition As described by MCLE: Using a simple question-and-answer format, this Guide leads advocates and homeless…

Assisting Families Experiencing Homelessness: Emergency Assistance Shelter and Benefits -- BBT Training

MLRI, GBLS, MC
Materials from the October 3, 2023 Emergency Assistance Shelter and Benefits training, presented as part of the MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training Series. Training Materials About the Faculty Training Agenda Slides: Emergency Assistance Basic Benefits Training 2023 2023 Emergency…

BBT Training Materials

MLRI
Basic Benefits Training Schedule and Registration: 2023-2024 Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) present a series of trainings every year for legal, social, health services, and community advocates who assist low- and moderate-income…

FAQ: Cash and Food Assistance Benefits for Low-Income Haitians (English and Haitian Creole)

MLRI & GBLS
Many low-income nationals of Haiti and Cuba qualify for cash and food assistance and health care coverage. These FAQS in English and Haitian Creole briefly describe the food and cash assistance benefits available for Haitians. This includes new arrivals granted humanitarian parole (of any duration),…

DTA Assistance Line Phone Menu Flyers

MLRI
MLRI created flyers to help older-adults navigate the DTA Assistance Line and access their SNAP balance.  Flyers are available in English and Spanish with more languages to come.

Senate Ways and Means FY 2024 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On May 9, 2023, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 (FY 24), which is referred to as Senate 3.  MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the Commonwealth.   Download…

Border Processing Post-Title 42

MLRI and MIRA
Last Updated May 10, 2023 Title 42, the Public Health Service Act section that has allowed the government to halt entry of people into the U.S. at the Southern border since March 2020 due to COVID, is expected to be lifted on May 11, 2023 as the public health designation is slated to…

House Ways and Means FY 2024 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On April 12, 2023, the House Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 (FY 24), which is referred to as House 3900.  MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the Commonwealth.  This analysis…

2023 SSI Payment Chart and Thresholds

Disability Law Center
SSI Payment Charts effective 1/1/2023

State and Federal Veterans' Training -- BBT

Veterans Legal Services, Veterans Legal Clinic
Materials from the April 19, 2023 veterans' benefits training, presented as part of the MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training Series. Agenda Powerpoint Slides The Transition to Civilian Status and a General Overview of Veterans Benefits (PDF of Powerpoint Slides) Federal…

The Legislative Process in Massachusetts

MLRI
This is an explanation of how a bill becomes a law in the Massachusetts state legislature. Legislation may be filed by members of the House and Senate and by the Governor. The state constitution also allows citizens to ask their legislators to present bills “by request” (these bills…

Massachusetts Guide to Evidence

Supreme Judicial Court Advisory Committee
The Massachusetts Guide to Evidence is prepared by the Supreme Judicial Court Advisory Committee on Massachusetts Evidence Law.  According to the Guide's introduction, the "Guide presents evidence law as it currently exists, replete with explanatory notes and citations to governing…

Income Maximization -- BBT Training

Legal Services Center, GBLS, MLRI
Materials from the March 7, 2023 Income Maximization training gathered by Legal Services Center, GBLS, MLRI, presented as part of the MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training series. Handouts Maximizing Income and Reducing Expenses 2023 (pdf of power point slides) Income/ Resources…

Governor's FY 2024 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On March 1, 2023, Governor Healey released her budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 (FY 24), which is referred to as House 1. MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics impacting low-income residents of the Commonwealth. Download MLRI's preliminary analysis…

2023 Unemployment Advocacy Guide

MLRI, et al
From the Introduction to the Guide: "This Guide is intended to answer questions about applications, eligibility, benefits, and appeals in the unemployment insurance (UI) process, which in Massachusetts is operated by the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). It contains citations to…

2023 FAQ Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new 18-month designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and announced that existing TPS holders can retain their TPS status by re-registering. This FAQ addresses eligibility questions and practical application questions. 

SNAP and the Medical Expense Deduction

MLRI
What is the SNAP Medical Expense Deduction? The medical expense deduction is an income deduction that eligible households can claim to boost their monthly SNAP benefits. Out-of-pocket health care expenses can be claimed by older adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities. Adults…

Record of COVID-19 Related changes affecting Health Coverage from March 2020-23

MLRI
UPDATE MAY 11, 2023 END OF FEDERAL COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY On May 11, 2023 the Secretary of HHS ended the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. See related materials here The COVID-19 Health Changes Table was last updated in March 2023 and should only be used as a reference for…

MLRI HDIP Report 12.15.22

Judith Liben, MLRI
Article by Judith Liben, MLRI, about the Housing Development Incentive Program

SSI & SSDI Basics -- BBT Training

DLC
Materials from the November 2, 2022 SSI and SSDI basics training, presented as part of the MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training series MATERIALS Training Agenda Evidence Evaluation (slides) Work and SSI and SSDI (slides) Overpayments (slides) SSI and SSDI…

Immigrant Benefits Chart - October 2022

Naomi Meyer, GBLS

Senate Ways and Means FY 2023 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On May 10, 2022, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2023 (FY 23), which is referred to as Senate 4.  MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the…

2022 SSI Payment Chart and Thresholds

Disability Law Center
SSI Payment Charts effective 1/1/2022.

House Ways and Means FY 2023 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On April 13, 2022, the House Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2023 (FY 23), which is referred to as House 4700.  MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the Commonwealth. Download MLRI's…

CLCM Quick Reference Guides

Children's Law Center of Massachusetts
Visit this page for 1-2 page quick reference guides in the following areas: CRA (Child Requiring Assistance) Children's Behavioral Health Initiative (Rosie D. Services) [2013] Special Education School Discipline School…

Governor's FY 2023 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On January 26, 2022, Governor Baker released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2023 (FY 23), which is referred to as House 2. MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics impacting low-income residents of the Commonwealth. Download MLRI's preliminary…

State Budget 101

Nancy Wagman, Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center
Helpful overview of how the Massachusetts state budget is created.

Benefits Included in MassHealth by Coverage Type 2022

MLRI
Attached is a Table prepared by MLRI of the different kinds of services and service providers that are available under the various MassHealth coverage types described in MassHealth eligibility regulations & cross referencing to MassHealth fee for service regulations. It's been updated…

CELHP Eviction Process Training

MLRI
Welcome to the online course on the eviction process.  The purpose of this course is to give advocates a basic introduction to the eviction process in light of substantive and procedural changes to court rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. The course is free. It takes about an…

ABCs of Seeking Judicial Review of a MassHealth Board of Hearings Decision

MLRI
Attached is an updated guide on the process of filing a complaint for judicial review of a MassHealth fair hearing decision. Please contact Kate Symmonds (ksymmonds@mlri.org) if you notice any errors or have any tips for other advocates; and please be sure to check the court rules and statutes for…

How to Access VA Health Care if you Have a Less-Than-Honorable Discharge

Veterans Legal Clinic Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School
The Veterans Legal Clinic at the Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School recently updated our self-help guide about the Chapter 115 Benefits Program for Massachusetts veterans and their dependents. The guide provides basic information about the Ch. 115 program, eligibility requirements, appeals,…