CTI Eligibility

FutureSkills Career Technical Initiative trainings are free for individuals who meet the qualifications outlined by the Commonwealth Corporation and the Massachusetts Governor’s Office. Eligibility requirements are updated annually based on MassWorkforce American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) policy issuances.

Decisions are made based on the following criteria:

You must be a resident of Massachusetts. Acceptable documents include:

  • Current and valid state-issued ID (including, but not limited to a MA Driver’s License)
  • Utility bill dated within the last three months
  • Government mail received in the past 60 days (including property tax or excise tax bill)
  • Current Firearm ID card
  • Current bank statement
  • Current pension statement
  • Current auto or home insurance policy
  • Current lease agreement

You must be either unemployed or underemployed.

Unemployed means you are not currently working. Acceptable documents include:

  • Proof of UI benefits or a screenshot of your UI account
  • A letter verifying unemployment
  • A tax form showing no income (such as a 1040)
  • A letter from your most recent employer

Underemployed means you are working but earning less than 60% of the Median Household Income for the Workforce Area in which you reside. The following chart provides the Yearly and Hourly Wage limits for each Workforce Area.

chart detailing 60% MHI and hourly wage for MA workforce areas

Acceptable documents include:

  • Pay stub dated within the past six months
  • Bank records showing direct deposit payments
  • A 1040 or 1099 tax form
  • An offer letter or employer letter showing your pay rate
  • Proof of income-based public benefits (letter, deposit record, or EBT card). Public benefits that qualify include TANF, SNAP, SSI, and SSDI, among others.

You must be 18 years old or older at the time of program completion.

You must be authorized to work in the U.S. Acceptable documents include:

  • Passport or Passport Card
  • Employment Authorization Document
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • MA Driver’s License or State ID plus a Social Security Card or Birth Certificate
  • Proof that you are currently collecting Unemployment Insurance (UI)

You must be a registered member of the MassHire Central Career Center. If you have attended a Career Center Seminar in-person or virtually within the past 12 months, you are a member.