In a Nutshell

Living in Massachusetts means being part of a vibrant community full of historic landmarks and world-class educational institutions. However, many residents grapple with ever-increasing expenses and financial pressures.

As of 2022, 10.4% of Massachusetts households were living in poverty, slightly below the national average. Despite a robust median household income of $96,505, many families still face significant economic challenges.

Massachusetts offers several assistance programs to help residents navigate financial hardships. These initiatives provide essential support in areas such as cash assistance, healthcare, and housing, easing the burden on individuals and families in the Bay State.

Explore the financial assistance programs in Massachusetts and discover how to reclaim control over your finances.

Government Assistance Programs in Massachusetts

Government assistance programs help Massachusetts residents access essential services. They encompass a range of resources that help create pathways to stability for every citizen in the Old Bay State.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in Massachusetts support individuals and families in need, helping them cover essential living expenses. Once enrolled, participants receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, allowing easy access to financial aid funds.

  • Economic assistance to help families cover essential needs like housing, utilities, and clothing
  • Benefits also include health insurance, education, and employment opportunities
  • Financial support for individuals unable to work due to disability, seniors awaiting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, and caregivers of children who aren’t closely related
  • Formerly known as Food Stamps
  • Assists low-income families in purchasing nutritious food at most grocery stores

Massachusetts Stimulus Checks

  • There are no new Massachusetts stimulus checks available in 2024, nor are there any additional payments planned for 2025 and beyond 
  • Residents can still qualify for state tax credits when filing their tax returns 
  • Massachusetts offers a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but does not have a Child Tax Credit (CTC) or Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC)

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance programs ensure that Massachusetts residents receive the medical care they deserve. These initiatives offer services ranging from routine check-ups to specialized treatments.

  • Health benefits and financial assistance for eligible children, families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities living in the Commonwealth
  • Coverage includes doctor visits, dental care, prescription drugs, and behavioral health services
  • Medical health plan for uninsured children who don’t qualify for other MassHealth programs
  • Benefits include access and coverage for doctor appointments, urgent care, outpatient surgery, and dental care
  • Free breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services for low-income, uninsured individuals
  • Assists with patient navigation services, transportation, and healthcare resources

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

Massachusetts programs for pregnant and single parents provide access to key resources that help create a nurturing environment for families to thrive.

  • Free nutrition program for Massachusetts families who qualify
  • Offers healthy foods, nutrition and health education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and human services
  • Support guide to valuable resources for first-time pregnant women or parenting individuals
  • Programs include Healthy Families, Roca Inc., YWCA Young Parent Support Program, Maternity Homeless Youth Shelter, and Children’s Trust of Massachusetts

Child Care Services

  • Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) programs help families cover child care costs and programs outside of school time 
  • The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) offers a search tool that allows families to find licensed child care programs statewide

Food Assistance

Massachusetts food assistance programs support individuals and families in need, improving overall health within communities.

  • Supplements the diets of low-income individuals aged 60+ with nutritious USDA Foods
  • Distributes a monthly food package for participating seniors
  • Ensures access to high-quality food for residents in need
  • Supplies nutrient-dense foods and locally grown fresh produce to food providers statewide

Assistance for Veterans

The Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) brings high-quality programs, benefits, and advocacy to veterans in Massachusetts. EOVS offers resources such as:

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

Elderly and disabled adult programs in Massachusetts support senior citizens and individuals with disabilities to maintain independence.

  • Federal and state programs that provide support to individuals with disabilities
  • Key resources include disability and low-income benefits, long-term federal benefits, health insurance, independent living centers, and referrals
  • Provides tools, resources, and support for aging adults to live safely and independently
  • Programs include in-home support, employment assistance, and health insurance assistance

Utility Bill Assistance

Massachusetts utility assistance programs offer financial aid to help eligible households pay their heating and cooling bills, ensuring essential services remain accessible.

  • Helps eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills for various heat sources like oil, electricity, and natural gas
  • Short-term emergency funding assistance for eviction, foreclosure, and loss of utilities
  • Recipients can use funds for rent, security deposits, moving costs, and mortgage payments
  • A federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for low-income individuals

Assistance for Unemployment

Unemployment assistance programs bring support and resources for those affected by job loss, helping Massachusetts residents get back on their feet.

  • The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) oversees the UI program, providing temporary income assistance to eligible workers
  • Qualified individuals receive weekly payments to help cover living expenses while searching for new employment

“The maximum weekly Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit in the state of Massachusetts is $1,033/week, which equates to about $4,476 a month,” shares Brad Reichert, founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC.

“This amount is adjusted annually, beginning with the first Sunday in October, based on the average weekly wage earned by all the employees in the state whose employer pays premiums into the state’s unemployment insurance system for the prior 12 months,” says Reichert.

“To calculate the maximum benefit for the next 12 months (October to October), the state takes this average weekly wage x .575, the new weekly maximum benefit amount, until it’s recalculated and reset again, on the first Sunday in October the following year,” Reichert explains.

  • Helps TAFDC and SNAP recipients find and maintain good-paying, career-track jobs
  • Offers access to education, employment, or training programs, resolving employment barriers
  • Free comprehensive career services for jobseekers, including personalized career guidance, workshops, specialized training, job referrals, and access to extensive job listings
  • Jobseekers can tap into resource room services such as computers, newspapers, and copiers

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

Housing assistance programs help individuals and families achieve stable living conditions. Their mission is to provide shelter and long-term housing solutions to help prevent homelessness.

  • Temporary housing for families while they search for permanent residences
  • Families must engage in activities outlined in their rehousing plan (this may include looking for housing, job search, and job training)
  • Works with non-profit organizations that offer homelessness prevention grants, providing resources like foreclosure prevention, rental assistance, and transitional housing
  • Addresses housing-related inquiries for tenants, landlords, and homeowners, promoting housing stability and minimizing disputes

Transportation Assistance

  • Accessible Transportation: Find transportation services for older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, commuters, and others in the community
  • Health Care Transportation: Services available for local or long-distance medical appointments for individuals, family members, or consumers
  • The RIDE Paratransit Service: Offers door-to-door, shared-ride public transportation for individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

  • The Office of the Attorney General offers free legal help and referral services to low-income individuals
  • Through its legal aid programs, Mass Legal Help provides free information about legal rights

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Massachusetts

The Bay State is home to many nonprofit assistance programs to support individuals and families in need. These initiatives offer essential services to help residents build a more secure future.

  • Connects communities to food pantries and federal nutrition programs
  • Promotes equitable policies to enhance food security and boost household food budgets
  • Supports families with child development, education, health, housing, and general financial stability
  • Services include fuel assistance, food assistance, child care, and job training resources
  • Provides year-round hot meals at multiple locations statewide
  • Runs charity shops and shelters for people experiencing homelessness

How Do You Get Financial Help in Massachusetts?

Whether you’re facing a temporary setback or ongoing financial difficulties, Massachusetts provides numerous financial assistance programs to help you get back on your feet. They cover a broad spectrum of needs, from cash assistance and healthcare to employment and housing.

However, these state programs might not be enough if you’re still struggling with overwhelming debt like credit cards and medical bills. Partnering with a trusted debt relief company like TurboDebt can help you regain control of your finances.

TurboDebt offers effective Massachusetts debt relief programs to help residents tackle their financial challenges. In 2023 alone, we assisted thousands of Bay Staters in saving a whopping 54% on their total debt enrolled (before fees).

Here’s what makes TurboDebt the go-to choice:

  • No upfront fees to get started
  • Potential savings of 50% or more on your total debt (before fees) with our debt settlement program
  • Become debt-free in as little as 12–48 months
  • No new loans or lines of credit as part of your debt relief program
  • Top-rated customer service, backed by over 15,000+ 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients

Don’t let debt hold you back any longer. Contact TurboDebt for a free consultation and see if you qualify for our relief program. Take the first step towards financial freedom today!