EAEDC, AKA “cash assistance”, is designed for disabled individuals who have no other source of income. Typically, EAEDC is a good source of income for clients waiting for SSDI or SSI approval. Additionally, those receiving subsidized housing are required to have some source of income to be approved. This has been extremely helpful in placing individuals into housing, so they don’t lose the opportunity for permanent placement.
Applicants must have some form of a documented disability
Applicants must also be waiting for SSDI or SSI acceptance
Applicants also may be required to hold a variety of documentation: authorization for reimbursement, Mass ID, proof of residency, proof of SSDI/SSI sign-up, social security card, or proof of homelessness
Helpful Tip: Discuss your eligibility for EAEDC with your case manager - You cannot have any other income to get this cash assistance (may only be subject to exception if you work extremely few hours per week).
If they applied for SSDI and the social security office decides they do not have enough “work points”, then SSI is a great second option for them. SSI is for disabled clients with scattered gaps in their work history. Applicants can have a physical, psychological or cognitive disability to apply for SSI.
Applicants must have already applied to SSDI and been rejected due to low work points
Applicants must have some form of a documented disability
Applicants need some form of scattered work experiences over the last ten years
Helpful Tip: The best application method is calling the local Waltham Social Security office at (800) 772 - 1213 to make an appointment. Please ask the case manager for assistance before continuing.
This is typically a long process that may require the assistance of an attorney down the road. To be eligible for SSDI you must have paid into social security taxes in the last 10 years. They want the applicant to have worked a majority of the last 10 years. Clients with scattered work histories or long gaps in employment will most likely not qualify for this. The SSA will tell the applicant if they have enough “work points” upon completing the application.
Applicants must have paid social security tax within the last ten years
Applicants must have relatively consistent work over the last ten years
Helpful Tip: The client may be denied their first time or even multiple times. If they are truly disabled, be persistent and continue to apply. Make sure the client's disability is long-term: experienced for more than 6 months and unable to be cured within the next few months.
We encourage higher functioning clients to look for work. A very good place to start is to work together to build a resume and then fill out online applications for jobs. You will get to know employers and build relationships with them.
Applicant must be physically able to work
Note: This is not a formal application, only some ways in which a client can look for employment
Unemployment benefits aim to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Individuals are eligible if they are actively seeking new employment. The benefits vary based on applicant and consist of a set percentage of the applicants past earnings. Benefits can last up to a maximum of 26 weeks.
To be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, you must:
Have earned at least:
$6,300 (rounded down to nearest hundred dollars) during the last 4 completed calendar quarters, and
30 times the weekly benefit amount you would be eligible to collect
Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Be unemployed, or working significantly reduced hours, through no fault of your own
Be able and willing to begin suitable work without delay when offered
To qualify for benefits, each week, you must be:
Physically able to work
Available to work
Actively looking for work (3 work search attempts)
Helpful Tip: If you're unsure if you can prove that you meet the "actively looking for work requirement," you can ask your case manager to write a verification letter that you are actively searching for work.