Massachusetts § 21 - Support and maintenance; subrogation of department; termination of assistance; notice
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 21 — Support and maintenance; subrogation of department; termination of assistance; notice, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21. Support and maintenance; subrogation of department; termination of assistance; notice
Section 21. The department shall be subrogated to the rights to support and maintenance of any welfare recipient to the extent of any payments made by the department to such recipient. The department shall obtain from said recipients such information, in the recipient's knowledge and possession, as may be reasonable necessary to enforce the department's right.
When the department proposes to terminate public assistance due to the collection of monthly support in excess of monthly benefits paid, it shall forthwith notify the IV–D agency as set forth in chapter one hundred and nineteen A. When the department terminates public assistance for any reason other than the collection of monthly support in excess of benefits paid, it shall forthwith notify said IV–D agency of such action.
Whenever the department notifies a recipient that it proposes to terminate a recipient from assistance, it shall include in such notice a statement of such recipient's right to continued child support services from the IV–D agency.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 21
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 21 cover?
Section 21 ("Support and maintenance; subrogation of department; termination of assistance; notice") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 21?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 21" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.