Bill > S118

This bill aims to lift children out of deep poverty by making significant changes to two existing welfare programs in Massachusetts. Specifically, the legislation proposes to incrementally increase monthly benefit payment standards for two programs (one referenced in chapter 118 and another in chapter 117A) starting July 1, 2025. The payment standards will be raised by 20% each year until they reach 50% of the federal poverty level for the corresponding household size. Once the 50% threshold is reached, the payments will continue to be adjusted annually to maintain that level, as determined by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. For the program in chapter 118, the bill also specifies that the payment amounts will include additional allowances for clothing and rental/mortgage expenses for households not residing in public or subsidized housing. The goal of these changes is to provide more substantial financial support to low-income families, helping to reduce the depth of poverty experienced by children in Massachusetts.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S118