SECTION 1. Section 1 of chapter 117A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:-

Any person experiencing homelessness, who (i) has no established place of abode, or lives in a temporary emergency shelter, and (ii) is otherwise eligible under the provisions of this chapter, shall receive the same payment rate as recipients who incur shelter costs including, but not limited to, rent or a mortgage. The department shall promulgate or revise any such rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

SECTION 2. Chapter 117A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2016 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 10 the following new section:-

Section 11. Effective July first of every year the department shall increase the total budget of each eligible recipient, before taking into consideration any available income and resources, by a percentage amount equal to the percentage rise in the United States Consumer Price Index for January first of that year over the level of said index for January first of the previous year plus such additional percentage amount as is recommended annually by the department and appropriated by the general court. The department shall promulgate such rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section.

SECTION 3. Chapter 117A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 10 the following new section:-

Section 12. The combined assets of an assistance unit may not exceed $2,500. In determining countable assets, the department shall exclude the first $15,000 in fair market value of a vehicle; provided that the commissioner may grant a waiver for a vehicle with a market value in excess of $15,000 if the commissioner determines the vehicle is necessary for employment or because of other household circumstances.

SECTION 4. Chapter 117A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after section 10 the following new section:-

Section 13. The department shall set the maximum benefit for the program in this chapter at the same level as the program under chapter 118 of the General Laws. The department shall promulgate such rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.