Boston

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Financial Assistance

Support programs providing financial aid or guidance for low-income individuals and families.

Sections

1. Housing Assistance

Boston has several programs to help individuals and families secure affordable housing or avoid homelessness.

Programs Available:

  • Boston Housing Authority (BHA): Provides public housing and Section 8 vouchers for low-income individuals and families.

    • Eligibility: Based on income limits (varies by household size). Immigrants may qualify depending on their immigration status.
    • Application Procedure: Apply online through the BHA website or visit their office.
    • Cost: Free to apply, but rent is typically set at 30% of household income.
    • Contact:
      Address: 52 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111
      Phone: (617) 988-4000
      Website: www.bostonhousing.org

  • Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT): Provides emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness, such as help with rent, utilities, or moving costs.

    • Eligibility: Low-income households at risk of eviction or homelessness. Immigration status is not a barrier.
    • Application Procedure: Apply through local housing agencies like Metro Housing Boston.
    • Contact:
      Address: 1411 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120
      Phone: (617) 859-0400
      Website: www.metrohousingboston.org

Additional Resources:

  • City of Boston Office of Housing Stability: Offers resources for tenants facing eviction or housing instability.
    Address: 43 Hawkins Street, Boston, MA 02114
    Phone: (617) 635-4200
    Website: www.boston.gov/housing

2. Food Assistance

Boston has robust food assistance programs to ensure no one goes hungry.

Programs Available:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Provides monthly benefits to purchase groceries.

    • Eligibility: Based on income and household size. Some immigrants may qualify depending on their status.
    • Application Procedure: Apply online at Mass.gov or visit a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office.
    • Cost: Free to apply.
    • Contact:
      Address: 2201 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
      Phone: (877) 382-2363

  • Project Breadโ€™s FoodSource Hotline: Connects individuals to food pantries, meal programs, and SNAP assistance.

  • Greater Boston Food Bank: Distributes food to local pantries and meal programs.
    Address: 70 South Bay Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
    Phone: (617) 427-5200
    Website: www.gbfb.org

3. Healthcare Assistance

Healthcare in the U.S. can be expensive, but Boston offers programs to help low-income individuals and immigrants access affordable care.

Programs Available:

  • MassHealth (Medicaid): Provides free or low-cost health insurance for low-income residents, including some immigrants.

    • Eligibility: Based on income and immigration status.
    • Application Procedure: Apply online at MassHealth or visit a MassHealth Enrollment Center.
    • Cost: Free or low-cost, depending on income.
    • Contact:
      Phone: (800) 841-2900

  • Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP): Offers free or low-cost healthcare services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
    Address: 780 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
    Phone: (857) 654-1000
    Website: www.bhchp.org

  • Community Health Centers: Provide affordable healthcare services regardless of immigration status. Examples include:

    • East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
      Address: 10 Gove Street, East Boston, MA 02128
      Phone: (617) 569-5800
      Website: www.ebnhc.org

4. Employment and Financial Support

Boston offers programs to help individuals find jobs and receive financial support during unemployment.

Programs Available:

  • Unemployment Insurance (UI): Provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs.

    • Eligibility: Must have worked in Massachusetts and meet income requirements. Immigration status may affect eligibility.
    • Application Procedure: Apply online at Mass.gov or call the Department of Unemployment Assistance.
    • Contact:
      Phone: (877) 626-6800

  • Boston Career Centers: Offer job training, resume assistance, and job placement services.

5. Cash Assistance

For individuals and families in extreme financial need, Boston offers cash assistance programs.

Programs Available:

  • Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC): Provides cash benefits to low-income families with children.

    • Eligibility: Based on income and household size. Some immigrants may qualify.
    • Application Procedure: Apply through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
    • Contact:
      Address: 2201 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
      Phone: (877) 382-2363

  • Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC): Provides cash assistance to individuals who are elderly, disabled, or caring for children.

    • Eligibility: Based on income and specific circumstances.
    • Application Procedure: Apply through the DTA.
    • Contact: Same as above.

6. Legal and Immigration Assistance

For immigrants, legal and financial assistance is often intertwined with immigration status.

Organizations Offering Support:

  • Irish International Immigrant Center (IIIC): Provides legal services, job training, and financial literacy programs for immigrants.
    Address: 1 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
    Phone: (617) 542-7654
    Website: www.iiicenter.org

  • MIRA Coalition (Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition): Offers resources and advocacy for immigrants and refugees.
    Address: 105 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111
    Phone: (617) 350-5480
    Website: www.miracoalition.org

7. Utility Assistance

Programs are available to help with heating, electricity, and water bills.

Programs Available:

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps low-income households pay heating bills.
    • Eligibility: Based on income.
    • Application Procedure: Apply through Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD).
    • Contact:
      Address: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111
      Phone: (617) 348-6000
      Website: www.bostonabcd.org

Tips for Visitors and Immigrants:

  1. Language Support: Many organizations offer services in multiple languages or provide interpreters.
  2. Documentation: Be prepared to provide proof of income, residency, and identification when applying for assistance.
  3. Legal Status: Some programs are open to all residents regardless of immigration status, while others may have restrictions.
  4. Community Centers: Local community centers often serve as hubs for accessing multiple resources.

By leveraging these resources, visitors and immigrants in Boston can find the support they need to navigate financial challenges and build a stable foundation.