Grants for Low Income in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has been ranked as the second-best state to live in by WalletHub in 2021. This ranking was determined by evaluating many livability factors including housing expenses, income growth, educational opportunities, and the quality of hospitals throughout the state. It also has a lower overall violent crime rate compared to other states. Even though it has its advantages, low-income persons and families may go through a rough patches in affording their living expenses. There are a lot of programs and grants for low-income seniors, single mothers, pregnant women, the blind, people with disabilities, and families. These benefits are mostly provided by the federal government, the State of Massachusetts, and local neighborhood initiatives.

Financial and Cash Assistance

Massachusetts Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) was established and has been financed by the state authorities for families who are in financial struggle and are not able to pay their rent, heating, utility expenses, mortgage payments, and other housing needs. Especially needy families and persons who are at risk of becoming homeless or who are already homeless are qualified to benefit from this monetary aid. Recipients of this program will have up to $3000 in financial support to cover their living expenses. The link to their official website is as follows https://www.metrohousingboston.org/our-programs/homelessness-prevention/residential-assistance-for-families-in-transition/ or make connections with 781 595 75 70.

Massachusetts Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) was constituted and has been funded by the federal authorities for low-income families who require monetary aid. Particularly families with children who are 18 years of age or younger are given priority. These households will be receiving more cash support to cover their children’s expenses. There are also other services for its beneficiaries. Some of its services are case management to help with their aims, monthly cash payments to cover rent, housing expenses, clothing, and more, health insurance support, educational opportunities, help with improving employment skills and abilities, and help with finding an available job. To see more information and to apply, please follow the link https://www.mass.gov/economic-assistance-cash-benefits or dial 800 249 2007 or 866 950 3663.

Housing and Rent Assistance

The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) was formed and has been led by the state authorities for low and middle-income persons and families who require housing assistance. State-aided public housing gives priority to needy families, seniors, and disabled persons. Accepted households may receive temporary or permanent housing assistance. Besides, it offers emergency housing assistance services, home energy assistance benefits, and more when it is necessary. To see more information and to apply, please go to https://www.mass.gov/orgs/housing-and-community-development or call the main office at 617 573 1100.

The Massachusetts Section 8- Housing Choice Voucher Program was created and has been sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for low-income residents who need housing and rental support. This is one of the most popular federal government programs in the state since more than 70,000 households benefit from it. Its main criteria are the total income of the household and family size. Eligible households will be able to choose their own apartment, townhouse, flat, or similar property that is compatible with the principles of the program. Once they are settled into their new property, approximately 30 to 40 percent of their rent will be paid by the program. The rest of the rent will be covered by the beneficiaries. The amount and the length of the benefit are determined based on the applicant’s current financial case. Because there is a waiting list, it is better to apply as early as possible. For more information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/section-8-housing-choice-voucher-program-hcvp or make a phone call at 617 573 1150.

MassHousing is a local independent housing agency that has been serving the community since 1966. Its purpose is to present affordable, decent, and secure housing options for low-income individuals and families across the state. It has a wide range of programs for low-income homebuyers, homeowners, renters, and developers who are facing financial challenges. The scope and the length of the help are determined based on the participants’ financial circumstances. Explore more opportunities through the following link https://www.masshousing.com/ or by phone at 617 854 1000.

Health Assistance

Massachusetts Health Safety Net Trust Fund (Free Care) is the healthcare assistance program that was created and has been mandated by the state agencies for low-income pregnant women, the elderly, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and families. These individuals who need emergency health assistance are qualified to have basic health benefits. Particularly low-income persons who need cash support to cover their medical bills are welcome to apply for this fund. To learn more information, please click the link https://www.mass.gov/orgs/health-safety-net or make contact with the toll-free number 877 910 2100.

Massachusetts Commonwealth Care Program was designed and has been funded by the local residents of the state for low and moderate-income households across the state. Its mission is to improve the wellness and health of people by providing for their important needs. Needy single mothers, pregnant women, older persons, children, and the disabled are given primacy. There are four types of services for its members. These services are as followed:

• CCA One Care: It offers medical, social, and behavioral health assistance for its beneficiaries. Its aim is to make sure that low-income patients can safely and independently live in their homes instead of nursing homes. This service is important regarding health plans, case management, covered drugs, and a network of providers.
• CCA Senior Care Options: This service is particularly designed for low-income seniors who need health assistance. They will benefit from free doctor visits, vision, dental services, prescription drugs, a 24-hour nurse hotline, medical equipment, medical supplies, personal emergency alert devices, and so on. Older recipients will have a CCA Healthy Savings Card to benefit from these services.
• Member Programs: Everyone’s health history is divergent and they need special care. Therefore, CCP organizes various programs for its participants based on their medical condition.
• CCA Primary Care: Primary care is available for every participant who needs health insurance coverage. This health insurance coverage coordinates a whole range of specialized care services. Some of these services include transitional care, palliative care, primary care, care coordination, medical equipment, rehabilitation services, social work support, integrated behavioral health, and much more.

Please click here https://www.commonwealthcarealliance.org/ to learn more about these services or dial 833 574 3036.

Utility Bill Assistance

The Massachusetts Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program was constituted and has been managed by the local utility companies and CITGO. It has been offering utility assistance for low-income residents since 1979 throughout the region. Low-income elderly are prioritized by this program. Qualified residents will receive monthly discounts on their utility costs. For further information, please click the link https://www.citizensenergy.com/ or give it a call at 617 338 6300.

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund was established and has been subsidized by the local office of the Salvation Army of Massachusetts. Local people and families who are in financial struggle are encouraged to apply for this benefit. Recipients of this program will receive one-time grants based on their economic status. Find out more information here http://www.magoodneighbor.org/assistance.html or contact 800 334 3047.

For those who require assistance settling their expenses, there are additional resources available, such as help paying water bills or help paying electricity bills, in addition to the Massachusetts Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program and the Good Neighbor Energy Fund. For low-income people and families who are having trouble paying their bills, these tools could offer extra help and support.

Food Assistance

Massachusetts Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program was formed and has been led by the federal government for low-income women and children. Low-income single mothers, pregnant women, and children are welcome to apply for this benefit. Eligible candidates will be obtaining cash assistance to purchase healthy and nutritious food for their children. This program also presents breastfeeding information, nutrition education, and more when it is necessary. To learn more information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/wic-information-for-participants or call 800 942 1007.