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 PFML Advocacy Guide

GBLS
Greater Boston Legal ServicesDavid McKennaStephanie Herron RiceJason Salgado 2025 Edition This guide is intended to help Massachusetts advocates navigate PFML benefits based on current DFML practices. Nothing in this guide is an endorsement of current agency practices.Greater Boston Legal…

Summary of MassHealth estate recovery changes in 2024

MLRI
In September 2024 the MassHealth estate recovery statute at GL 118E: 31 was amended. The new law  takes effect Dec 5, 2024 and applies retroactively to the probate estates of MassHealth members who die after August 1, 2024. It reduces the scope of estate recovery to only what federal law…

Income Maximization -- BBT Training

Legal Services Center, GBLS, MLRI
Materials from the June 11, 2025 Income Maximization training gathered by Legal Services Center, GBLS, MLRI, presented as part of the MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training series.HandoutsAdvocacy Tools for Maximizing Income and Reducing Expenses 2025 (pdf)Benefits and Resources Checklist (pdf)SNAP…

Senate Ways and Means FY 2026 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On May 6, 2025, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 (FY 26), which is referred to as Senate 3.  MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the Commonwealth.  

State and Federal Veterans' Training -- BBT

Veterans Legal Services, Veterans Legal Clinic
Materials from the April 30, 2025 veterans' benefits training, presented as part of the MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training Series. Agenda About the Faculty Powerpoint Slides Military Cultural Competency (PDF of slides) MA Veterans' Services Benefits: The Chapter 115 Program (PDF…

Resources Available to People Regardless of Immigration Status

Legal Key Partnership for Health and Justice
For immigrants and mixed status families, immigration status is a threshold eligibility factor for many health-promoting resources. This can make it hard for care teams to offer families support that can meet their immediate goals. The following resources are available to all people, regardless of…

House Ways and Means FY 2026 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On April 16, 2025, the House Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 (FY 26), which is referred to as House 4000. MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the Commonwealth. Download MLRI's preliminary…

2025 SSI Payment Chart and Thresholds

Disability Law Center
SSI Payment Charts effective 1/1/2025

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, December 2024 Edition As described by MCLE: Using a simple question-and-answer format, this handbook guides advocates through the maze of TAFDC rules and…

Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing Infographic

MLRI
Information about NOAH in Massachusetts. 

Understanding immigrants' eligibility for MassHealth & other subsidized coverage, March 2025

Vicky Pulos, MLRI
This  updated March 2025 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.It includes Appendices listing different…

EAEDC Cash Benefit Eligibility and Rights

MLRI
Low income individuals who are age 65 and over, have a disability or care for someone with a disability and certain children may be eligible for Emergency Aid for Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) cash benefits. EAEDC is administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance. This FAQ…

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

GBLS, MLRI
Materials from the March 6, 2025 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.

Tool Kit to Fix SNAP Applications Denied for Lack of Interview

MLRI
Each month many SNAP applicants are denied benefits because they did not have the the required SNAP interview within 30 days from the date of application. Many are denied for this reason even though they tried to reach DTA to have the interview. Between July 2023 and December 2024, 1 in 2 calls to…

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),…

MLRI's Health Program Upper Income Limits Table-updated for 3.1.25

MLRI
Attached is MLRI's March 1, 2025 Table of monthly and weekly upper income limits for  MassHealth, the Medicare Savings Programs, the Health Safety Net, and CMSP reflecting the 2025 increase in the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The updated figures are not applied by MassHealth until March 1. The…

Legal Tactics: Tenants' Rights in Massachusetts (private housing)

MLRI
Link to the 2025 edition of Legal Tactics: Tenants' Rights in Massachusetts. This handbook provides practical information about tenants' rights in private housing-housing that is owned by an individual or a privately owned company.  Click the "Go to Website" link below to read the book online…

Benefits Included in MassHealth by Coverage Type 2025

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 for…

SNAP 101: Basic Benefits Training (BBT) Materials - January 2025

MLRI
Below are the powerpoints and materials from the January 29, 2025 SNAP training, presented as part of the MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training series. Advocates are also encouraged to review the 2024 MLRI SNAP Advocacy Guide also listed below.  We hope to post the 2025 SNAP Advocacy Guide in…

Surviving Debt: Expert Advice for Getting Out of Financial Trouble

NCLC
Surviving Debt: Expert Advice for Getting Out of Financial Trouble is NCLC's bestselling guide for consumers. A leading resource for over 30 years, and recently named "the best all around guide to navigating debt" by Business Insider, this updated 2025 edition of Surviving Debt provides…

Governor's FY 2026 Budget Proposal: MLRI's Preliminary Analysis of Selected Issues

MLRI
On January 22, 2025, Governor Healey released her budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 (FY 26), which is referred to as House 1. MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics impacting low-income residents of the Commonwealth (document updated 2-5-25). Download MLRI's…

Health Care Providers and Immigration Enforcement: Know Your Rights

Various
Attached are documents prepared by the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and others about the rights of patients and providers in health care settings in the context of immigration enforcement. NILC includes a factsheet about the January 20, 2025…

SSI For Children in Massachusetts (Effective January, 2025)

DPH, Division for Children and Youth with Special Needs
Attached is the 2025 version of SSI for Massachusetts Children 2024, aka the Parent to Child Deeming Screening Chart.

SSI & SSDI Basics -- BBT Training

DLC
Materials from the November 6, 2024 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 Payment Charts…

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

MLRI, GBLS, MC
Materials from the October 1, 2024 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 2024 2023 Emergency…

Department of Family and Medical Leave Appeals Handbook

Daniel Decotis, DFML Appeals Manager
The DFML Appeals Handbook was created to serve as a quick reference resource for all DFML Appeals staff. The information included within is a training document as well as required knowledge for all Appeals staff. It is expected that all procedures and decisions made by the DFML Appeals team will be…

Frequently Asked Question: Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

MLRI
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new 18-month designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and extension of the current designation. The new TPS designation allows eligible Haitian nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in…

BBT Training Materials

MLRI
Basic Benefits Training Schedule and Registration: 2024-2025Massachusetts 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…

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 (Updated May 2024) An indispensable handbook for all who need to know about the SNAP program in Massachusetts. The SNAP…

SNAP and the Dependent Care (Child Care) Deduction

MLRI
Households can self-declare their child care or adult dependent care costs, unless the information provided by the household is questionable. This can be done on the SNAP application form, on a separate signed and dated statement, or over the phone with…

Elder Law Education Guide

Mass Bar Association
Do you have questions about Medicare/Medicaid, health care proxies or other probate issues? The Elder Law Education Guide is the Massachusetts Bar Association’s resource guide on a wide range of legal issues affecting the lives of older adults. The guide, prepared by attorneys, is made…

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

MLRI
On May 7, 2024, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2025 (FY 25), which is referred to as Senate 4.  MLRI offers this preliminary analysis of selected budget topics affecting low-income residents of the Commonwealth.  

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…

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.2025 Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave…

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…

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…

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

CommonHealth, State-Funded Standard and 12-month Post-Partum EOM updates

MLRI
This paper flags  Eligibility Operations Memos issued in 2022 and 2023 where MassHealth has issued an update, revision or correction and explains what changed. The updated EOMs all described expanded coverage in CommonHealth, State-funded Standard for certain non-citizens, and 12-months…

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…

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…