MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)

Massachusetts’ Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) Program provides temporary cash assistance to families with children and pregnant women with limited income and resources.

Massachusetts has one of the shortest TANF time limits nationwide. Recipients may only receive a total of 24 months of benefits within a 5-year period.

Most adult recipients must participate in work-related activities to maintain eligibility. Failure to do so may result in reduced or denied benefits, unless an exemption applies .

How much money do I get for cash assistance in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, TAFDC benefits vary by household size, countable income, and housing type. For example, a family of three with little or no income may receive up to $783 per month, plus an extra $40 monthly housing allowance if they live in private, unsubsidized housing.

Additional benefits include annual clothing allowance of up to $500 per child under age 19. A one-time payment of $300 is also available for a child under 6 months old.

How do I apply for cash assistance in Massachusetts?

To apply for TAFDC, please contact the local DTA office  in the county where you live. If you are not sure which office to contact, please call the

Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
DTA Assistance Line
(877) 382-2363

Massachusetts DTA Child Care

The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) may provide child care referrals and financial assistance to eligible TAFDC families, both current and former.

It does this by providing a child care referral for any eligible child under age 13 and send it to the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency that serves your city/town.

Current TAFDC recipients who qualify get first priority for child care. While former TAFDC recipients get child care right away, but may have to pay a fee based on income and family size.

Types of assistance may include:

• Vouchers: Subsidies that can be used to pay for child care
• Contracts: Agreements with providers that reserve slots for children with subsidies
• Preschool programs: Typically offered for children ages 3-5

How do I apply for DTA Child Care in Massachusetts?

Applications for DTA child care can be done at your local Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office or you may apply online at DTA Connect .

Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
DTA Assistance Line
(877) 382-2363

Massachusetts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Massachusetts SNAP helps low-income individuals and families afford healthy food by providing monthly food assistance benefits to help pay for groceries.

SNAP benefit amounts vary based on several factors, including household size, income, and allowable deductions such as housing costs, child care expenses, and certain medical expenses for eligible households.

For example, a family of three may receive up to $785 per month with no income or about $485 per month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

What is the income limit for SNAP in Massachusetts?

How do I apply for SNAP benefits in Massachusetts?

To apply for SNAP benefits, you may go to DTA Connect  to submit your application online. An interview will then be arranged to determine your eligibility.

Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
DTA Assistance Line
(877) 382-2363

Massachusetts SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a federal food benefit that helps low-income families with school-aged children buy groceries when school is out for the summer.

Most families will automatically get Summer EBT benefits if they already receive other benefits like SNAP, DTA cash benefit or Medicaid with a qualifying family income.

Families will get a one-time $120 benefit per qualifying child that can be used to buy nutritious foods at any authorized retailer that accepts EBT.

If you’re not sure if you need to apply or will get SUN Bucks automatically, use this eligibility checker  to find out.

Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
Summer EBT Helpline
(855) 425-8770

Massachusetts Free School Lunch Program

Before the pandemic, Massachusetts students were eligible for free or reduced breakfasts and lunches if their household income is 130% (free) or 185% (reduced) of the federal poverty guidelines.

For two years during the pandemic, federal waivers allowed every Massachusetts student to receive free school meals, regardless of family income.

Beginning in the 2023—2024 school year, Massachusetts made universal free school meals permanent after the pandemic, ensuring all students get free breakfast and lunch regardless of meal eligibility status.

Are school lunches still free in Massachusetts?

Yes, school lunches and breakfasts are permanently free for all students in Massachusetts public schools, thanks to a state law enacted in 2023, ensuring universal access regardless of family income.

Massachusetts’ Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)

Massachusetts HIP will match your SNAP purchases of local fruits and vegetables at participating HIP retailers — and have an equal amount of money, up to your monthly limit, instantly added back to your EBT card.

For example, if you buy a head of broccoli sold by a participating HIP vendor for $5, another $5 will be added to your account automatically and can be spent on any future SNAP eligible purchase. Depending on your SNAP household size, your monthly cap is always $40, $60, or $80.

There is no special sign-up for HIP. If you get SNAP benefits, your household is automatically able to participate in HIP.

How do I find a HIP vendor near me?

If you are planning to buy more fruits and vegetables for your family, visit DTAFinder.com  to search for HIP vendors near you. You can search by city, county or device geolocation.

Massachusetts Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Massachusetts WIC provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to Massachusetts families who qualify. It is a short-term program with recipients usually receiving benefits from 6 months to a year.

The program covers pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be “at nutritional risk”.

What is the income limit for WIC in Massachusetts?

WIC serves women, infants, and children in Massachusetts whose income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $4,109 per month for a family of three.

How do I sign up for WIC in Massachusetts?

First, you need to complete the WIC pre-application process at Apply for WIC online . A representative will contact you with information on how to complete the process.

To schedule an appointment at the nearest clinic, call

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
WIC Nutrition Program
(800) 942-1007

Free Diapers for Low Income Families

Many Massachusetts communities have diaper banks or other free diaper programs. Families may receive up to 30 disposable diapers per month per child, but benefits may vary depending on where you live.

To apply for free diapers, you should either contact the diaper program  directly, or contact the WIC office or other family service agency that distributes diapers for your local diaper bank.

Massachusetts MassHealth

Beginning January 1, 2027, some members ages 19–64 must comply with “community engagement” rules (working, volunteering, or education) to maintain coverage.

In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into a single program called MassHealth, which provides health benefits to low-income Massachusetts residents, including children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

As Massachusetts is expanding Medicaid coverage, MassHealth is now available to all adults age 19—64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

MassHealth covers all children in families with income up to 305% of the poverty level. If a family earns above that limit, the child may still qualify for the Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP), though the benefits are more limited than full MassHealth. 

Through the 1115 Waiver Amendment, adults now have 12 months of guaranteed coverage regardless of income changes, and seniors experiencing homelessness receive 24 months.¹

Is MassHealth free in Massachusetts?

MassHealth is free for many residents, especially children, pregnant women, and people receiving SSI. However, depending on age, income, and health status, some members may pay premiums or copays , particularly those with household income above 150% of the federal poverty level.

Can I apply for MassHealth online?

Massachusetts is operating a State-Based Marketplace, known as Massachusetts Health Connector  through which you can apply for MassHealth or other health insurance online.

Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services
MassHealth Customer Service Center
(800) 841-2900

Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)

Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) is a state program that helps eligible low-to-moderate-income families pay for child care and after-school programs through subsidies or vouchers.

This program is limited to families with income not exceeding 85% of the state median income (SMI), with priority access for families at or below 50% SMI.

By state regulation, families are required to pay a parent fee (co-payment) based on income, capped at no more than 7% of total household income. You can use the EEC Parent Fee Calculator  to get a confidential estimate based on your specific situation.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Massachusetts?

A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is less than 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) at the time of initial application or about $9,874 per month for a family of three.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Massachusetts?

Due to funding limits, eligible families may be placed on a waitlist. If you are interested in applying, contact your local child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R ) or call Mass 211 (dial 2-1-1) to have your name put on a statewide centralized waiting list.

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)
(617) 988-6600

Massachusetts Head Start

Massachusetts Head Start and Early Head Start are free early childhood programs for pregnant women and for children from birth to age 5, including children in foster care and homeless children.

It offers center-based family child care, and home visiting options on a part-day, part-year, or full-time basis. Children 3 to 4 years of age are eligible to participate with priority given to 4 years old.

Both programs are for families with limited income below 130% of the poverty line. That’s about $2,887 per month for a family of three. Children from families receiving public assistance are categorically eligible regardless of income.

What is the income limit for Head Start in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, Head Start and Early Head Start applications are handled directly by local lead agencies rather than through a single statewide portal.

To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
Head Start State Collaboration Office
(617) 988-6600

Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Massachusetts HEAP, commonly referred to as Fuel Assistance, helps low-income families and individuals in Massachusetts pay their heating bills during the winter season.

Eligible household may receive up to $600 per program year, with income limits set at 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). Priority is given to the most vulnerable households, including those with the lowest incomes and highest heating costs.

Special provisions are also made for those households whose heat is included in their rent and those living in subsidized housing.

What are the income guidelines for HEAP in Massachusetts?

Eligibility for HEAP is based on several factors, including but not limited to household size and combined gross annual income of household members as shown in the table below.

How do I apply for HEAP in Massachusetts?

Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis from October 1 through April 30. You can submit an application online , or in person through a network of local service providers  in your area.

Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(800) 632-8175

Massachusetts Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program designed to help low-income households and families who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills.

Massachusetts LIHWAP provides a one-time benefit payment to eligible households for a maximum benefit amount of $200. Priority is currently given to those with terminated water service, impending termination, and/or those in arrears.

How do I get help with my water bill in Massachusetts?

LIHWAP is administered by 20 local administrating agencies  that cover the entirety of Massachusetts. If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, please contact the local agency that serves your area to schedule an appointment.

Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Massachusetts’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides financial assistance to help pay for energy costs for Massachusetts residents who are not eligible for other utility assistance programs.

Follow this link http://www.magoodneighbor.org  for more information on eligibility requirements, where and how to apply for assistance.

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) is the State’s largest state-funded rental assistance program to help extremely low income  households avoid homelessness.

The MRVP helps families pay their rent by providing a subsidy in the form of voucher that covers the difference between what the landlord charges and what they can “afford to pay” — often no more than 30% of their net monthly income.

How to apply for MRVP assistance?

You can apply for MRVP through Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP ). or you may inquire at the Local Housing Authority in the area you wish to reside to see if they have an open waiting list.

Please use the Service Locator  to find the Housing Authority closest to you or call the Rental Assistance Division at 617-573-1250.

Massachusetts Emergency Assistance (EA) Shelter

Massachusetts Emergency Assistance (EA) is a program that gives shelter and other emergency housing services to low-income families with children, and to pregnant women, who are homeless with no safe place to live.

You must have proof that your housing situation meets the shelter eligibility requirements such as domestic violence, natural disaster, no-fault eviction, or substantial risk to health and safety.

To apply for shelter services, please call (866) 584-0653 and speak with a Homeless Coordinator or apply in person at the DHCD office nearest to you.

Massachusetts Paid Family Leave (PFL) Program

Massachusetts has passed one of the most generous Paid Family Leave law in the nation, joining a number of states that have launched paid leave programs in recent years, including New York, California, plus Washington, D.C.

Massachusetts offers up to 12 weeks, of paid family leave in a year or up to 20 weeks for those with serious health condition, with a maximum of 26 weeks of combined family and medical leave in a single benefit year.

While on leave, you will receive 80% of your average weekly wages up to one-half of the state’s average weekly wage — capped at $1,230 per week.

If you work in Massachusetts and need to take Paid Family and Medical Leave, file your claim online through paidleave.mass.gov .

Department of Family and Medical Leave
(833) 344-7365

Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance

Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to workers who have recently lost their job through no fault of their own.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:

1. at least $6,300 during the base period, which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters prior to filing your claim, and
2. total base-period wages of at least 30 times your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) you are eligible to collect.

For example, if your calculated WBA is 250, you must have earned at least 250 × 30 = 7,500 in wages during the base period to meet the 30-times-WBA requirement.

How much will I get from unemployment in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts currently pays up to $1,105 each week — one of the most generous in the country, and an additional $25 per dependent child — capped at 50% of your benefit rate.

For example, if you are receiving $100 per week in UI and have three dependents, your allowance is capped at $50.

How do I file for unemployment in Massachusetts?

You can file your initial claim using UI Online  or if you wish to file your claim over the phone, please call TeleClaim Center at (877) 626-6800.

Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance
TeleClaim Center (DUA)
(877) 626-6800

Massachusetts MASSGrant

Massachusetts’ MASSGrant is the state’s flagship need-based financial aid program undergraduate residents who demonstrate financial need.

Eligible students with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI) may receive up to $5,500 per semester, depending on the type of institution attended.

To be considered for a MASSGrant, you must submit and complete your FAFSA by May 1 AND have an Student Aid Index (SAI) of 7,500 or less.

Students who receive a MASSGrant may now be eligible to apply for a MASSGrant Plus to cover any remaining unmet financial need.

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Office of Student Financial Assistance
(617) 391-6070

Massachusetts Part-Time Grant Program

For working adults and part-time, non-traditional students, the Massachusetts Part-Time Grant Program is an alternative to MASSGrants, which carries many of the same eligibility requirements.

This program is available to Massachusetts residents who are enrolled at least half-time (6–11 credits) in undergraduate studies at approved public colleges or universities.

Awards are made based on exceptional financial need and the availability of funds, ranging from $200 to a maximum that depends on the type of institution attended.

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Office of Student Financial Assistance
(617) 391-6070

MassReconnect

MassReconnect is a new program that helps cover the cost of community college for Massachusetts residents age 25 or older who have not previously earned a college degree.

Eligible students will receive an allowance to pay for books and supplies, up to $1,000 per academic year for those with 12 or more credits.

There is no separate “MassReconnect application” form. Eligibility for MassReconnect is determined through the standard college enrollment and financial aid application process.

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Office of Student Financial Assistance
(617) 391-6070

Massachusetts Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit designed to help individuals and families whose income is below certain federal thresholds.

Massachusetts EITC operates under the same eligibility rules as the federal EITC. For taxable years starting on or after January 1, 2023, the Massachusetts credit is equal to 40% of the federal credit.

How much is Massachusetts Earned Income Credit?

To claim the Massachusetts EITC, you must file a tax return and be a Massachusetts resident for at least part of the taxable year.

For part-year residents, the Massachusetts EITC is calculated differently. The Massachusetts EITC is capped at 40% of the federal EITC, prorated based on the number of days you resided in Massachusetts during the year.