Massachusetts offers a wide range of financial assistance programs, including the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) for cash benefits like TAFDC and EAEDC, and the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) for housing emergencies. For students, there is the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) for undocumented students, and the Cash Grant Program. You can also find help with energy bills through the Good Neighbor Energy Fund and LIHEAP, and various other programs for food, veterans, and general hardship are available.
For general and basic needs
- Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA): Provides cash assistance for eligible families and individuals through programs like Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC).
- Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT): Offers short-term emergency funding for housing-related issues like eviction or utility shut-offs.
- Massachusetts 2-1-1: Connects residents to a wide array of community, health, and disaster services via a free phone service or searchable online database.
For students
For specific needs
- Energy Assistance: Programs like the Good Neighbor Energy Fund and LIHEAP help eligible households pay for heating and other energy costs.
- Food Assistance: The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides food and services to eligible families, and SNAP benefits are also available.
- Veterans: The state offers a financial assistance program for eligible veterans and their dependents to help with costs like food, shelter, and medical care.
- Unemployment Benefits: Individuals who are out of work may be eligible for unemployment insurance.
- Bridge to Prosperity: A pilot program offering monthly cash payments and coaching to help people transition off public assistance.