Seniors living in the state of Massachusetts who need financial assistance are in luck. There are programs that provide financial assistance for seniors in Massachusetts, and they play an important role in helping people to meet their basic needs. The programs will ensure that seniors have food, shelter, and assistance with paying their necessary bills. These programs have been put in place for those in the community who need them.
The federal and state government offer programs that will help seniors financially. There are additional programs offered through faith-based organizations that aim to help people in their community who need assistance meeting basic needs. The programs offered through the government usually require that the person demonstrate that they earn a low income, and that they are citizens or legal non-citizens. The programs provided by other organizations are not as strictly enforced in such areas.
Be sure to apply for all those programs that make sense to you and that you feel qualified for. The more you apply for, the better your opportunity in being able to get all of your needs met, despite your financial challenges. The assistance you receive is not considered a loan, so you will never have to worry about paying it back.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The federal government offers food assistance for seniors and others through SNAP. This program used to be called food stamps and is still what many people call it. Those who are approved for SNAP will get help from the federal government to pay for their groceries each month. The amount that you can receive will be determined by how many dependents are in your home. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. As long as you continue to meet the qualifications for the program you can continue to get the assistance, because there is no time limit. To get more information and apply for food assistance, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization offers locations around the country. They provide numerous services to help those in need, including providing free food, clothing, shelter, and more. Most locations will provide free hot meals and boxes of food to take home. They are a faith-based organization, but they don’t require that you be religious to get assistance. To get more information, find a location near you to contact about their food assistance process. To find a location near you, click here.
Local Food Banks – These are places that will provide people with free food supplies. You can find local food banks and pantries in your area and contact them to see when and how you can get free food items. Some will have specific days and times when it can be picked up, while others have a store-like setting you can shop at for free items. Some of them will make deliveries for seniors who need assistance. To find a local food bank or pantry, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency is part of the federal government and is the most helpful one to turn to for assistance paying for housing issues. HUD has several ways that they will help people in need. They offer rental assistance, help locating affordable housing options, weatherization services, and they will help pay for some house repairs. To qualify for their programs, you have to show that you have a low income and that you are in the country legally, but being either a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit on how long you can get help through their programs as long as you continue to meet the qualifications. To contact HUD and apply for their rental assistance or other programs, click here.
State Programs – The state government for Massachusetts also offers rental assistance and other programs for those who need housing assistance. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. They offer such programs as rental assistance, emergency financial support, help finding affordable rental units, and more. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – Paying for utility bills is often a challenge for seniors who are struggling with their finances. This program, which is paid for by federal funding, will help people pay for their home energy bills. It doesn’t matter what type of heating source you have, they will help pay for it if you meet the qualifications. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. You can apply for HEAP starting each year on October 1. Applications are taken online, in person, and by mail. You will need to supply information about your energy bills, proof of income, photo identification, etc. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – The United Way provides this number to the public so that they can call it to get referrals to programs in their area that will provide financial assistance. They can help with programs that will provide assistance with paying utility bills, providing food, rental assistance, and more. The service is free to use and open to everyone. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This is a program provided by the federal government that will help seniors under the age of 65 to pay for their medical bills. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can get help through Medicaid, as long as you continue to meet the qualifications. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to the one listed above, Medicaid, although it does not have any income requirements. This program is open to everyone in the country who is over the age of 65 and is a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for the medical bill payment assistance, click here.
