Massachusetts Bill S.118 Raises Monthly Assistance Benefit Standards by 20 Percent Annually Until Reaching 50 Percent of the Federal Poverty Level

Original title: An Act lifting kids out of deep poverty

Last action · October 20, 2025: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and MeansSponsors: Sal DiDomenico and 30 others

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Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Would Do

Massachusetts Bill S.118 increases monthly assistance benefit by 20 percent each year starting July 1, 2025, until household payments equal 50 percent of the federal poverty level. Once reaching that 50 percent threshold, payments will continue to be adjusted annually to remain at or above 50 percent of the federal poverty level determined by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Why it matters

The measure directly alters the monthly financial assistance calculations for low-income households receiving state benefits, aiming to scale payments up to half of the federal poverty standard over time.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

low-income households

Monthly financial assistance benefit payment standards will increase by 20 percent annually until reaching 50 percent of the federal poverty level.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the annual payment standard increases begin?

The annual increases begin on July 1, 2025.

What is the target payment standard for households under the bill?

The payment standard increases until it equals 50 percent of the federal poverty level for the given household size, after which it is maintained at no less than that 50 percent level.

Does this bill affect rental and clothing allowances?

Yes, s and payment amounts are further increased by a clothing allowance in the month paid and by a rental allowance for eligible households with rent or mortgage expenses.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

4 actions

Oct 20, 2025SenateCommittee
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
Sep 5, 2025Joint
Hearing scheduled for 09/16/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Feb 27, 2025House
House concurred
Feb 27, 2025SenateCommittee
Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Version history

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