BOSTON —
Approximately 300,000 people across Massachusetts will be sent $500 payments starting next week.
The Executive Office for Administration and Finance said the second round of payments under the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay program will be mailed starting Monday.
Money for the $500 payments comes from a program signed into law in December and funded by the state with approximately $460 million. An initial round of payments was sent to nearly 240,000 people in March.
Eligibility for the second round of payments is based on several factors, including a requirement that the individual filed a 2021 tax return. Residents need to have earned at least $13,500 in 2021 but had a total household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
Earnings of $13,500 is equal to 20 hours per week for 50 weeks at last year's minimum wage, which was $13.50 per hour.
Individiuals are not eligible for the payment if they received $500 in the first round, received any unemployment benefits in 2021 or are an employee of the executive branch.
For a full list of requirements and restrictions, check the state's website.
The HHS secretary touted a proposed $1.1 billion IHS budget increase but stayed silent on Medicaid cuts and a rollback of childhood vaccination efforts U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robe...