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H 3849

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Hawkins and 1 co-sponsor

Excludes Massachusetts Chapter 115 veteran benefits from household income calculations for determining eligibility in means-tested assistance programs.

Hearing rescheduled to 10/28/2025 from 01:00 PM-01:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 3849

Legislative bill overview

H 3849 proposes to exclude Chapter 115 veteran benefits payments from calculations used to determine household income for means-tested assistance programs in Massachusetts. This would prevent veterans receiving these state benefits from having those payments count against their eligibility for other need-based programs like SNAP, housing assistance, or Medicaid.

Why is this important

Veterans receiving Chapter 115 benefits—which provide financial assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents—often struggle with income-based program eligibility. This change would effectively increase the purchasing power of veteran recipients by preventing their state benefits from triggering disqualifications from federal and state assistance programs, potentially reducing overall economic hardship for this population.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Excluding these payments from income calculations could expand eligibility for other assistance programs, increasing state and federal costs without clear budget projections
  • Equity concerns: Creates preferential treatment for one population group; questions about whether similar exclusions should apply to other assistance recipients or vulnerable populations
  • Program integrity: May complicate administration of means-tested programs and require coordination across multiple agencies to implement correctly
  • Scope definition: Unclear whether exclusion applies only to Chapter 115 or could set precedent for excluding other veteran benefits (federal VA payments, etc.)

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

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