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S 2470

An Act excluding Chapter 115 payments to veterans from gross household income calculation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney and 1 co-sponsor

Excludes Massachusetts veterans' Chapter 115 state benefit payments from household income calculations for means-tested state assistance program eligibility.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 2470

Legislative bill overview

S 2470 proposes to exclude Chapter 115 payments (Massachusetts veterans' benefits) from calculations of gross household income when determining eligibility for state assistance programs. This would prevent veterans receiving these state benefits from having that income counted against them when applying for means-tested programs like SNAP, housing assistance, or Medicaid.

Why is this important

Many veterans rely on Chapter 115 payments as a critical income source, and counting this income can disqualify them from or reduce other essential state benefits they may need. This change could improve economic stability for veterans by allowing them to access multiple support programs simultaneously without income cliffs that penalize receipt of veterans' benefits.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget impact: Expanding eligibility for means-tested programs will increase state spending on multiple assistance programs, with costs potentially substantial depending on veteran population size affected
  • Program integrity concerns: Some may argue that excluding veterans' income from household calculations creates special treatment and inconsistent application of income-based eligibility standards across programs
  • Scope questions: Unclear whether this applies only to direct Chapter 115 payments or extends to dependents' income or other related benefits, and which specific programs would be affected

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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