Free and low-cost help in Massachusetts

Start with one call today. Call 211, a free, confidential line that connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, health care and more. Say: 'I need help with [food/rent/utility/health care] in [your city]. What programs should I apply for, and what documents do I need?' Write down the date, the name of the person you spoke with, and the next step. If you prefer to search yourself, use a search tool that lists free and reduced-cost programs by ZIP code.

Gather a small folder before you apply. Put in it photo ID if you have one, proof of address, recent pay stubs or benefit letters, household size, rent or mortgage amount, and recent utility bills. Add any letter you received about a shutoff, eviction or denial. Do not put Social Security numbers, immigration papers or bank account numbers in a public post; share them only when an official program asks through its own application.

For a legal problem, ask for a free civil legal aid office. Legal Services Corporation helps find legal aid for people with low incomes. A state legal aid and self-help website can show free legal aid programs and self-help information by state. Say: 'I need help with [eviction/benefits/other civil legal issue]. Do you take cases like mine, and what should I bring?'

Community health centers charge on a sliding fee by income, whether you are insured or not. Massachusetts has 221 federally funded health center sites. The cities with the most sites include Boston with 28, Dorchester with 14, Lynn with 13, Lawrence with 12, Springfield with 9, Brockton with 7, East Boston with 7 and Roxbury with 6. Ask: 'Do you charge on a sliding fee by income? What do I bring for a visit if I am uninsured or underinsured?'

For coverage, Massachusetts has expanded Medicaid, so many adults with low incomes may be eligible. You can apply any time of year. There is a federal finder for free or low-cost health coverage for children and teens. The federal health insurance marketplace has income-based savings. Apply and let the agency decide; rules vary by situation.

If you have a hospital bill, ask the billing office for its written financial assistance policy and application. Nonprofit hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy, and the IRS explains the rule. For mental health or substance use treatment, use the government treatment locator to look for low-cost options. Keep medical details out of public posts and share them only with a clinic or program through its private intake.

For food, start with SNAP. The SNAP state directory shows where to apply in Massachusetts. Apply and ask: 'What documents do you need for my household size and income?' WIC gives food, formula and nutrition help for pregnant people, new parents and children under 5. Ask your school district how to apply for free or reduced-price school meals. Use the Feeding America food bank finder to locate food banks and pantries that serve your area.

For cash help, TANF state offices run temporary cash assistance for families with children. Ask what documents they need and how long the application takes. If you worked last year, use the IRS EITC Assistant to check whether the Earned Income Tax Credit applies to you. Keep tax and benefit letters in your folder and make copies before you mail anything.

If you are applying for more than one program, ask each office whether it can share your proof of income with another program. This can save trips. Write down every application number and date.

If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. HUD-approved counselors offer free or low-cost counseling on renting, eviction, foreclosure and budgeting. Say: 'I need help with [rent/eviction/foreclosure]. Can you help me make a plan, and what documents should I bring?' Gather your lease, any eviction notice, income proof and recent rent receipts.

For utility bills, use LIHEAP state and territory contacts to find the office that takes LIHEAP applications where you live. Ask about the application and what proof of income and utility bills to bring. The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free insulation, sealing and heating repairs that lower energy bills for income-eligible households. Ask whether your home can be assessed.

For rental help, HUD rental assistance includes public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers and other HUD rental programs. Ask what waiting lists are open and how to apply. Lifeline is a federal discount on phone or internet service for eligible households. Ask your phone or internet company about Lifeline and what proof it needs.

If you are in danger or in emotional crisis, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It offers free, confidential support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis, any time. Then handle immediate safety. For a home fire or disaster, American Red Cross can help with shelter, emergency supplies and recovery help. Official emergency guidance explains preparing for and recovering from emergencies.

Massachusetts had a major disaster declaration for a Severe Winter Storm and Snowstorm dated 2026-06-30. If that storm damaged your home or caused costs, use the federal disaster assistance application to apply for FEMA and other federal disaster aid. Keep photos, receipts and insurance letters. Apply and keep copies of everything you send.

Do not wait for a perfect folder. Ask for help with the application and tell them what you have. If you need shelter or supplies now, contact the American Red Cross. Keep a phone charger, medications, ID and copies of key papers in a safe bag.

HelpBLESS lets anyone post a need for money, time, skills, goods or advice, and anyone can answer it, locally or from anywhere. Posting a need is free, and a person reviews each post. You can limit a post to a state, city or ZIP code so neighbors see it. Use Help near me to find housing counselors, health centers, treatment and disaster declarations for your ZIP. The benefits checker is a two-minute anonymous check of US programs worth applying for.

Write a clear, small request. Use a template like: 'I am in [your city]. I need help with [rent/utility bill/food/transportation]. The amount is [amount]. I can share documents privately with an official program or after we agree on a safe way to share. Please reply with what you can offer and the best way to coordinate.' Keep it specific and short.

Keep private details out of the public post. Do not post your Social Security number, immigration papers, bank account or routing numbers, full birth date, exact address, children's school or medical records. Share documents only through an official program's application or a private channel you trust. If a request involves a child, a legal matter or immigration, share less in public and ask a program to help you directly.