Money Assistance Massachusetts – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more
If you are having financial issues and need help, the state of Massachusetts provides numerous assistance programs. In addition to state help, there are also non-profits and corporations that provide low income financial assistance. Get help with debt, paying bills, housing, medical and educational assistance.
Below are multiple ways to get financial help in Massachusetts. Services that include help paying bills, rent, food/groceries, personal loans, debt relief and as mentioned various government benefits and support agencies across Boston, Worcester, Springfield and all other cities in Massachusetts.
Social Security Loans (SSI)
Many residents living in Massachusetts collecting Social Security may qualify for more financial assistance through SSI. For those whose only income is Social Security and you are in need of a loan, there may be specialist lenders who will assist. Learn more about SSI and other social security loan options here.
Assistance with Utilities: If you need help covering your utility expenses during the month, you can get assistance through one of several programs including Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program which offers fuel assistance and financial assistance based on household income. Other programs that offer help include Citizens Energy Heat Assistance and Good Neighbor Energy Fund. Some telephone and electric companies also offer reduced-rates of between 20 and 40 percent off of monthly bills.
Food Assistance: Massachusetts residents who need help covering their food bill every month can get help through the state Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, formerly called Food Stamps. The program offers a monthly-stipend to help offset the cost of food expenses. In addition, women who are pregnant or have children under the age of 5 can get help through the state Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC). Residents who don’t qualify for help through the SNAP or WIC programs may be able to get help through local food banks.
Loan Help: If you are having issues qualify for a loan and need cash urgently. There are multiple great options beyond those of expensive payday loans. There are credit unions, banks and non-profits that provide specialty loans that were created for those on a low income or dealing with financial hardship. Learn more about these loans here.
Rent and Mortgage: If you need help covering your rent or mortgage, you might qualify for help through Section 8 Housing which provides income-based subsidized housing. Other housing programs include the Private Affordable Housing program which sets aside low rent options for low-income families and the MRVP and AHVP Programs which offers rent-assistance vouchers for low-income residents and handicapped residents under the age of 60. If you are facing foreclosure you may be able to get help with loan modifications and refinancing through a foreclosure prevention program.
Medical Assistance: If you need help paying for medical expenses, you may qualify for help through the state Medicaid program. The program offers free health insurance to low-income families and pregnant women. Medicaid is income-based and requires an interview and application. Families that don’t qualify for coverage through Medicaid but have children in their home may qualify for low-cost health insurance through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Residents may also be able to get free or low-cost health services at free clinics located throughout the state.
Educational Assistance: Future college students in Massachusetts can get help with college tuition through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. The website helps student plan for scholarships, loans and grants. Students can even access the Federal Pell Grant Program which offers free grant money for qualifying students. Families with small children can qualify for help through the Head Start Program which offers early-education assistance for at risk children.
Community Action Centers: If you need additional support with applying for food, housing and other support your local community action center can offer help. In addition to providing emergency services for families facing homelessness and lack of food, you can also get help finding and applying for jobs. To find your local Community Action Center, check out the Community Action Agency Listing.
Charities: Wallethub lists Massachusetts as the 32nd most giving state. This is great news for families who need help. You may be able to get additional through public and private charities like A Suitable Image, Project Health and Rachel’s Table.
Learn more about free items and other money assistance services in Massachusetts, including: Free clothes, furniture, car, school accessories, help with fines, seasonal items & more!
The below services are in general and may not be available in Massachusetts. However, if not available, many may have partnerships with other organizations through out the state that they can connect you with.
Free Hotel or Motel Vouchers for the Homeless or Emergencies
Those experiencing hardship and are without a roof over their head can access different types of short and possibly longer term accommodation throughout Massachusetts. Learn more about accommodation assistance in here.
Dealing with tickets or fines
If you have unpaid tickers or fines, avoiding them will only create further financial and credit problems. Learn about ways to get assistance with dealing with fines in Massachusetts, from requesting a waiver or challenging inaccurate fines. Get the information you need to tackle fines here.
How to get a free laptop or computer
Low income families have a range of organizations that provide free technology assistance such as computers and laptops throughout the country including Massachusetts. Learn about what free computers and laptop organizations are near you and how to apply here.
Getting a free or low cost car
At any given time there are different organizations that assist low income earners with transportation. Across the country and in Massachusetts there are different services that assist people with getting a vehicle. Learn more about free cars, how to get one and where to apply.
How to get free gas for emergencies
Gas prices in Massachusetts like most of the country are extremely high. This can put serious pressure on the family budget. For those dealing with cashflow issues and finding it hard to put fuel in the car, there is help. Learn how to get free gas for emergencies through free gas vouchers.
