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Massachusetts TANF State Plan

DTA has also created an EBT cash withdrawal information sheet that is given to families applying for or receiving TAFDC in all local offices. This information sheet identifies Massachusetts banks that provide EBT cash withdrawals without surcharges. DTA continues to pursue the expansion of its current surcharge-free options and the availability of low- and no-cost banking options. In addition, the Commonwealth has partnered with a nonprofit, full-service credit- counseling agency, funded through a large banking institution’s nonprofit foundation, to offer financial literacy and credit counseling workshops. These workshops are available to families at no cost, statewide, to assist in their development of short and long-term financial planning. The workshop curriculum encompasses how families reduce or eliminate fees associated with using their EBT cards or otherwise utilize their TAFDC benefits through direct deposit or direct vendor payments for rent, utilities, etc. While families are instructed on how to better budget their TAFDC funds, they are also reminded of the prohibited items, services and establishments, identified under State law and the associated penalties. (a)(1)(B) SPECIAL PROVISIONS

(i) The document shall indicate whether the state intends to treat families moving from another State differently from other families under the program, and if so how the State intends to treat such families under the program.

Families moving into Massachusetts from other states receive the same benefits from the TAFDC program as current residents.

(a)(1)(B)(ii) The document shall indicate whether the state intends to provide assistance under the program to individuals who are not citizens of the United States, and if so, shall include an overview of such assistance.

Massachusetts provides assistance to U.S. citizens, nationals and certain qualified aliens pursuant to federal law. Provided they meet other TAFDC program eligibility criteria, Massachusetts provides TAFDC assistance to qualified immigrants who entered the United States prior to August 22, 1996; qualified immigrants who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996 who have been in a qualified immigration status for five years; and qualified immigrants who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996 who are exempt from the five year bar. Those who are exempt from the five year bar include asylees, refuges, parolees, certain battered non-citizens, victims of severe forms of trafficking, those whose deportation is being withheld, Amerasians, Cuban and Haitian entrants, veterans, certain veterans and members of the military on active duty and their spouses and unmarried dependent children. The regulations regarding eligibility of immigrants can be found at 106 CMR 703.430.

(a)(1)(B)(iii) The document shall set forth objective criteria for the delivery of benefits and the determination of eligibility and for fair and equitable treatment, including an explanation of how the State will provide opportunities for