Amendment ID: S2708-55

Amendment 55

Creating a process for annual determination of benefits

Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Comerford, Mr. Oliveira, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Eldridge, Gomez and Brady and Ms. Miranda move that the proposed new text be amended in section 3 by striking out subsection (G) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:-

“(G) The executive office shall complete an individual rehousing plan for all families and pregnant women receiving benefits through the emergency assistance program. A family with children or a pregnant woman with no other children that receives benefits through the emergency assistance program shall remain eligible for benefits provided, however, that executive office shall annually review continued eligibility for the program, subject to appropriation, based on each family with children or pregnant woman’s compliance with program rules and regulations, progress towards their re-housing plans, or for circumstances including, but not limited to: (i)(A) a family or pregnant woman qualifying as a veteran under clause forty-third of section 7 of chapter 4 who is not enrolled in services specifically tailored to veterans including, but not limited to, those administered by the executive office of veterans services; (B) a family or pregnant woman’s imminent placement in housing; (C) avoiding educational interruptions for a child or children enrolled in public schools; (D) avoiding disruption or loss of employment for adult family members; (E) pregnancy; (F) a diagnosed disability or documented medical condition; (G) being a single parent, stepparent, legal guardian or caretaker caring for a disabled child or family member; (H) being a single parent, stepparent, legal guardian or caretaker with insufficient child or dependent care necessary to obtain employment or continue employment; (I) being at imminent risk of harm due to domestic violence; (J) progress toward receiving work authorization; or (K) imminent threat of homelessness; or (ii) a family or pregnant woman’s compliance with the rehousing plan. The executive office shall provide not less than 90 days’ notice to a family or pregnant woman receiving benefits pursuant to this section prior to the review of eligibility or termination of benefits. The executive office shall provide printed handouts to families with children and pregnant women receiving benefits through the emergency housing  program which shall include, but not be limited to, information about: (i) the annual review process; (ii) workforce training programs; (iii) food resources, including food pantries; (iv) services offered by resettlement agencies; (v) other housing assistance programs; and (vi) other nonprofit or available resources the executive office deems necessary or helpful. All written information shall be translated into multiple languages and shall be available on the executive office’s website. This subsection shall apply during any period in which the secretary of housing and livable communities has determined that the shelter system is no longer able to meet all current and projected demand for shelter from eligible families considering the facts and circumstances then existing in the commonwealth.” ; and

By striking out section 10.