Last updated September 18th
What is EAEDC?
The Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children program (EAEDC), is a state-funded cash assistance and benefits program providing support to over 19,000 extremely low-income individuals. The program is administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
What would An Act Relative to Assisting Elders and People with Disabilities in the Commonwealth, House Bill 621/Senate Bill 356, do?
This bill, filed by Representative Jim O’Day and Senator Pat Jehlen, would:
- Increase the EAEDC grant levels to match DTA grant levels for households of the same size that are participating in the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (TAFDC)
- Update state statute to reflect the removal of the homelessness penalty for individuals experiencing homelessness (removed via FY’19 and FY’20 state budget language)
- Increase the allowable personal asset limit from $250 to $2,500
- Create an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for EAEDC program participants
Follow the links below for more details:
- Campaign fact sheet (updated 9-18-19)
- House and Senate bill pages
- Form for organizations to endorse the EAEDC campaign
- EAEDC participant caseload information from DTA through their monthly Facts and Figures reports
- A look at the where EAEDC participants live around the state, based on zip code data from DTA
- Testimony to the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs in support of the bill:
How can you help push for passage of the EAEDC bill?
- If you are part of an organization, ask your organization to sign on as an endorser of the bill and related budget campaign. You can add your organization to the growing list of endorsers here or by emailing us.
- Spread the word to other organizations to encourage them to sign on as well.
- Share your story of why improving the EAEDC program is important to you, as an EAEDC program participant, advocate, service provider, or community member. You can share your story in writing, over the phone, by video, or in a one-on-one meeting with Coalition staff. Contact us to learn more.
- Thank you to everyone who testified and showed support by being in the room at the EAEDC bill hearing at the State House on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. The hearing was organized by the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs.
- Even though the hearing has happened, you still can submit written testimony to the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, chaired by Representative Ruth Balser and Senator Pat Jehlen. We are happy to collect your testimony and deliver it for you, along with the testimony from other EAEDC participants and advocates.You can use the testimonies posted above to help you develop your own testimony.
- Stay tuned about the campaign by joining the Coalition’s email list.
Thank you for your collaboration!