Under a reform bill by state Sen. Steven Baddour, all applicants for public assistance programs in Massachusetts would have to pass a drug test before receiving benefits. They will also have to comply with various Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card restrictions.
Welfare recipients will be barred from using their EBT cards at liquor stores or anywhere outside the state. Aside from that, a photo identification on all EBT cards will be required and a cap on the amount of money that can be taken out in a 24-hour period will be imposed.
Baddour explained: “We’re trying to stop people from gaming the system. There are people who legitimately need a hand up in these tough economic times. We’re trying to protect these individuals and trying to get at the people who abuse the system.”
Applicants must pay for and submit to a drug test before applying for public assistance through the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Those who pass the test and get an approval for welfare benefits will be reimbursed for the cost of the drug test.
Those who fail the test will be barred from receiving benefits for a year, or for 6 months if they go to a drug rehabilitation program. Failing a second drug trust on re-application would mean a ban for 2 years. To protect the interest of children whose parents are barred from receiving state benefits, other family members may apply in behalf of the children.
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