First round of $500 payments to Massachusetts low-income workers set to be mailed

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Massachusetts is set to start mailing COVID relief checks to residents who worked in-person during the pandemic.

In December, Governor Charlie Baker signed into law the “Essential Employee Premium Pay Program.” The program is designed to thank those who continued working every day while COVID was spreading.

About 500,000 people will get the first set of payments, based on economic circumstances. Eligible Massachusetts residents will receive a $500 check.

For qualifications, visit the mass.gov website.