What kind of help can I get?
In addition to legal help, many services help pay for rent, mortgage, utilities, and food.
Need help paying your rent or mortgage?
- State assistance: There are different statewide rental assistance programs that can help tenants and homeowners pay the rent or mortgage, as well as utilities and moving expenses.
- Eligible homeowners and tenants can get up to $10,000 to pay overdue or future mortgage or rent payments under the RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) and ERMA (Emergency Rent and Mortgage Assistance) programs.
- Eligible tenants can get up to 15 months of rental assistance under the new federal ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance) program. Tenants can use up to 12 months for overdue rent and use 3 months of assistance at a time for future rent payments.
- To apply for any of these programs, find your local agency or call 800-224-5124.
- Eligible homeowners and tenants can get up to $10,000 to pay overdue or future mortgage or rent payments under the RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) and ERMA (Emergency Rent and Mortgage Assistance) programs.
- Local assistance: Contact your local community action program or your local government’s Housing Division to inquire about local rental and mortgage assistance programs. You can also check the Emergency Rental Assistance Programs Database and get information about other local resources from your regional housing agency.
- Tenants: Because of the COVID pandemic, some owners and management companies may be willing to give you time to find funds to pay rent and negotiate a payment plan. Contact your landlord or management company as soon as you can. Only agree to a payment plan you understand and you can pay on time. Get everything in writing.
- Owners: If you are concerned about making mortgage payments, contact your mortgage servicer, the company where you send your monthly payments. Look at your monthly mortgage statement to find your mortgage servicer’s phone number and mailing address. It is important to contact them as soon as you can. Missed payments can cause fees and hurt your credit for years to come.
Need help with your utilities?
The Massachusetts COVID-19 utility moratorium ended on July 1, 2021. Utility companies may now disconnect customers for nonpayment unless special protections apply. Special protections apply for people with a serious illness, infants, and seniors. Contact your utility company or municipal utility directly to apply for these protections.
Help is available to pay for utilities, fuel, phone, and internet. Find out more here.
How can mediation help?
Trained mediators can help tenants and owners resolve disputes. When both sides understand their options, mediation can help you come to an agreement that allows you to keep your tenancy. Governor Baker’s Eviction Diversion Initiative offers free mediation for COVID-related evictions. Find a mediation program near you.
Need crisis help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, help is available. The statewide Emergency Services Program provides crisis help 24 hours a day, every day of the year. A team member can meet you where you are – at your home, a hospital, or another location in the community. Some teams also have walk-in locations. Services are free if you have MassHealth (Medicaid), Medicare, or you have no health insurance. Some people with insurance can also get these services.
Don’t face a crisis alone. Call the statewide Emergency Services Program at 1-877-382-1609 or call your local program.
Need emergency resources?
Call 2-1-1.
If you are facing housing, food, or other emergency needs call 2-1-1 to find resources in your area. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day. If you are put on hold, you can stay on hold or leave a message. They will call you back in 24 hours or less.
Need help with food?
The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) SNAP program is a monthly benefit to buy food. During the pandemic, all households who get SNAP get the maximum amount for their household size. As of January 1, 2021, a family of 3 can get about $615! Learn more and apply at DTAConnect.com. You can also apply over the phone. Call the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363. For help with emergency food resources, contact the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 800-645-8333.
Need help with cash?
Families with children and some pregnant women who have very low income or no income may be able to get cash assistance through the Massachusetts TAFDC program. Adults 65 or older, or people with disabilities who have extremely low income or no income and assets, may be able to get cash assistance through the EAEDC program. For more information and to apply, visit DTAConnect.com or call your local DTA office.
The Federal Government is giving people more money with Stimulus Payments (“Economic Impact Payments”) and tax credits. You can sign up for this money with a 2020 “tax return.” You can have low OR no income to get this money. This money is not just for people who need to complete tax returns because of the amount of money they make.
You should sign up if you:
- Did not get stimulus payments for you and/or your dependents
- Have no or low income
- Have never applied for taxes/ not applied in recent years, OR
- Have a child who may not be in the IRS’s records.
If you make $57,000 a year or less, you can get free help to sign up. Learn more at findyourfunds.org.
Are you a veteran?
Veterans and eligible dependents may be able to get cash assistance. The Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) runs the Chapter 115 Benefits Program. The program provides money for food, housing, clothing, and medical care to veterans and their dependents who have limited incomes. Use the Mass Vet Benefit Calculator to see if you qualify and use the Veterans Benefits page on MassLegalHelp to learn more.