Basic Welfare Rights (TAFDC)

What is TAFDC?

TAFDC stands for "Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children." It is a cash benefit. It used to be called AFDC. It is the same thing as "welfare."

Who can get TAFDC?

Pregnant women and families with children can get TAFDC if their income is low enough.

How do I apply?

You can apply for benefits at your local Department of Transitional Assistance office.

You can apply the first day you go to the DTA office. You can get an interpreter from DTA if you are not fluent in English, or if you are hard of hearing.

Ask DTA if you have trouble filling out an application or getting the papers that DTA asks for.

If you can not get a specific paper that DTA asks for, DTA has to help you get it or let you use a different paper. For example, if you do not have your child's birth certificate, DTA has to let you prove your child's age and relationship to you with another paper like a baptismal certificate, school record, day care record, newspaper article, hospital record, or a sworn statement from another person who knows you.

Make sure that you get back your original papers or copies, so you can keep a record of what you gave DTA.

How soon will I get benefits?

DTA must approve or deny your benefits within 30 days.

What if I can not work?

The TAFDC program has a work requirement.

But you have the right to be excused from the work requirement if you can not work due to health problems, domestic violence, pregnancy, or emergency situations.

Is there a time limit?

Yes.You can get 24 months of benefits every five years.

But you can get more than 24 months of TAFDC if you need it because of health problems, domestic violence, or pregnancy. If you need TAFDC for one of these reasons, you should be able to get it for as long as you need it.

You can also get back on TAFDC after 5 years if you were cut off due to the time limit, even without health problems, domestic violence, or pregnancy.

What if I get denied or my benefits are stopped?

You have the right to get all decisions in writing, including decisions denying, lowering or stopping benefits. You have the right to talk to a supervisor or assistant director if your worker doesn’t help you or you aren’t satisfied. You can call DTA Recipient Services (help line) at 1-800-445-6604

You should also appeal any decision you think is wrong.If DTA is trying to stop or lower your benefits, be sure to appeal within 10 days so your benefits will continue until the hearing.

The Appeal form is on the back of the notice. Fill it out and fax it, or a letter requesting a hearing, to the Division of Hearings at (617) 348-5311. You can also mail it to:

Division of Hearings, DTA

P.O. Box 120167

Boston, MA 02112 

Keep a copy of the appeal, and call the Division of Hearings at (617) 348-5321 or 1-800-882-2017 to make sure that they got it. 

You also have the right to ask for a hearing if your worker threatens you, does not follow the rules, violates your privacy or does not treat you with dignity and respect.

You can bring a friend, family member, advocate or lawyer to help you at a hearing or any other business you have with the Department. Contact Legal Services right away to ask for help with your appeal.