Government Benefits Available to Massachusetts Citizens

Food stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), began in the United States in the late 1930's to help people buy and eat nutritious food, be stronger, and make up a more productive society. In 1971, the Food Stamp Progra...

Head Start is a Federal program that promotes the school readiness of children from birth to age five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Head Start programs provide a learning environment that su...

The Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (Fuel Assistance) provides eligible households with help in paying winter heating bills. The program pays benefits of fixed amounts based on household income. An additional benefit ...

There are some basic rules for getting MassHealth under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Even if you or your family already have health insurance, you may be eligible if your family's income is low or medium and you are a child under a...

Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) pays for health care for certain low and medium income people living in Massachusetts. MassHealth offers health-care benefits directly or by paying part or all of your health-insurance premiums. MassHealth offers d...

The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each day. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standar...

The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and childcare institutions that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. The program reimburses schools for the milk they serve. Schools in the N...

The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To ...

The Massachusetts Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was created to serve nutritious meals to children when National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program meals are not available. To ensure all Massachusetts children receive proper nutrition thro...

The Massachusetts Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services to children, individuals, and their families. Every person has the right, and is afforded the opportunity, to ap...

Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet Massachusetts' eligibility requirements....

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for low-income households includes the installation of weather stripping, caulking, storm windows, insulation, and other materials as well as burner testing, tune-up, and minor repairs. Funds are provided b...