MLPB Digital Digest - Massachusetts - MLPB

Welcome to MLPB’s Digital Digest. Our team has created this open-access tool to help workforce colleagues navigate law and policy changes. It is intended to provide guidance and problem-solving strategies to address a range of key HRSN needs.

This information is for educational purposes only; nothing in it should be construed as legal advice.

© 2021-2023 MLPB, a fiscally sponsored organization of TSNE

The Bulletin:

The national and MA COVID-19 public health emergency expired on May 11, 2023.

Click below to navigate to a topic of interest!

General Updates & Information

Headline: There may be a government shutdown starting October 1, 2023, which could impact federal workers, agencies, and programs.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Court Systems

Headline: Even though courts are fully operational and accessible by the public, some hearings and other proceedings are still taking place virtually – by videoconference or phone.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Criminal System Involvement

Headline: The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued a decision allowing people acquitted of crimes in MA to have their criminal records automatically sealed.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Education & Childcare

Headline: The Biden Administration’s student loan repayment pause has ended. Federal student loan interests resumed as of September 1, 2023, and payments towards federal student loans will begin to be due starting October 2023.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Employment

Headline: The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) continues to warn recipients of unemployment insurance benefits regarding fraudulent unemployment claims. Recipients can report unemployment benefits fraud online.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Food & Income Security

Headline: Starting October 1, 2023, SNAP benefits will increase by 3.5% to reflect cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Government Identification

Headline: Eligible Massachusetts residents can obtain a Standard (Class D or M) driver’s license, regardless of immigration status.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Health Insurance

Headline: MassHealth members impacted by the MOVEit global third-party data security incident were sent notices by mail starting August 14, 2023, and may be contacted by phone, text and email.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Housing Stability

Headline: Starting September 27, 2023, the CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs) website will include the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP).

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Immigration Status & Public Charge

Headline: Two “Family Welcome Centers” are now open in Massachusetts to help connect families, especially immigrant families, with shelter, services, supplies, and transportation.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Interpersonal Safety

Headline: The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides housing protections for survivors of intimate partner violence.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Transportation Needs

Headline: MA commuters can set up an account online to get T-Alerts for by text or email for their trips.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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Utilities & Internet

Headline: Online applications for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for November 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024 will open on October 1, 2023.

Last-reviewed: 9am, Sept. 27, 2023

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