Massachusetts disability benefits and financial assistance programs.
Residents with a disability in Massachusetts can explore programs ranging from cash assistance, medical care, food, to transportation and more. The state offers individuals access to a number of benefits, with a focus on low income families. They also work closely with other non-profit and federal funded agencies. Case managers and representatives from the state work with the disabled on satisfying their needs. Assistance is also available for their care givers and family members.
Referrals to financial aid and emergency assistance
There are a number of agencies and offices that advocate for the disabled and provides information on other support services. Staff from the agency work to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunities, legal rights, social support services, and housing they need. They also work to enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act in Massachusetts.
Referrals and linkage is from their Client Services Program. This helps individuals and their families who need help with disability-related problems. The various offices run a system to help residents find the government benefits and services they need. Information is for financial aid in a crisis, with the highest demand needs of energy bills, food, and housing assistance.
- Mayor’s Health Line in Boston can offer information to the disabled in the Boston area, and that number is 800-847-0710.
- Mass Housing can help the disabled get rent help, income based apartments, and more. Call 617-854-1000, or find other details on section 8 HUD low income housing in Massachusetts.
- Emergency Financial Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children can help with cash aid, food stamps, SSI, and other benefits. Call EAEDC at 1-877-382-2363.
Cash assistance for the low income and disabled can come from different agencies. Some of the programs are offered by Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development (phone 1-800-632-8175) or the Human Services department (1-866-950-3663).
SSDI is a federal government funded insurance program that gives monthly cash benefits to the disabled who can’t work for a period of time. The state also offers funds for paying heating bills from LIHEAP, or low income energy assistance. Free or low cost medical and dental care is offered as part of Medicaid, and Human Services will also have information on local community clinics. Other assistance includes free food from SNAP vouchers, housing and rent assistance, transportation, and child care vouchers for the disabled. Other aid is available too.
Free legal aid is from the Disability Law Center, which is a non-profit law firm that gives free legal assistance to residents with disabilities. Support is for those with a disability that have been discriminated against. It addresses concerns such as physical, sensory, psychiatric and cognitive. Get referrals to community services, help in applying for SSDI Disability benefits, and access to community services. 800-872-9992.
When applying for SSI or SSDI disability in Massachusetts, many applicants need short term financial help for their bills. As they may have a shortfall of cash/income during the extended application process. This is when a loan may be used. Find loans for the disabled while waiting on benefits.
Additional help for the disabled in Massachusetts
Job placement is from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC). The agency helps people with disabilities live independently and find employment. The MRC assists Massachusetts residents age 18 and older. The MRC agency runs the Vocational Rehabilitation program (VR), Disability Determination Services (DDS), and something known as Community Services. Staff also assist with helping people apply for public benefit programs, transportation, housing, rent assistance and address consumer issues.
Another program available is the Independent Living Centers, which coordinate personal care management, advocacy, and offer clients independent living skills training. Or explore the Home Care Assistance Program for disabled adults under age 60 which provides them help with homemaking tasks.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission also runs the Assistive Technology Program. This provides and installs assistive devices and provides training for users. Representatives from MassMATCH can help people use this equipment. This can also be used as the individual seeks employment and retains their job too. Call 1-800-245-6543 to reach MRC.
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind provides social services and rehabilitation to legally blind residents of all ages. These benefits help people who are legally blind live independently in their own, existing communities.
Some of what is available for the blind includes Vocational Rehabilitation, such as the creation of individual plans for employment, restorative and training services, adaptive housing, and job placement. Technology and tools such as assistive devices, mobility instruction, and peer support groups. There is also orientation and mobility instruction, including guide dogs, provided by the Commission for the Blind.
Some of the more financial and medical care includes MassHealth services for financially eligible people, including hospital services, personal care attendants, long-term care services, private duty nursing, and transportation services. They will also assist with housing needs and job discrimination. 800-392-6450
Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing works on behalf of residents and families that has a member that is deaf, loosing this sense or that are currently hard-of-hearing. The agency offers programs, benefits, and advocates on their behalf. Clients can receive case management services, including specialized services for children as well as CART translation services. Other resources are independent Living Programs, including consumer education, peer mentoring, assistive technology, self-advocacy, and other living skills. Phone 1-800-882-1155.
Government assistance (and charities) can help the disabled in Massachusetts get hearing aid or assistive equipment. In general, the applicant needs to be low to moderate income and their health insurance can’t pay for it. There is help for children, seniors, and disabled of all ages. Find free hearing aids near you.
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health runs support services, treatment programs, and offers other assistance for those with a disability. Benefits administered include outpatient services, supported employment, continuing care inpatient facilities, residential treatment centers, case management, in-home treatment, and job skills training. Call the Department of Mental Health at 617-626-8000.
Similar to above is the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), however they assist those with intellectual disabilities. The agency partners with many provider agencies and non-profits throughout the state to offer services to children, adults and their caregivers. Individuals can make decisions about their lives and in choosing the benefits they need. Get help with Employment skills training and transportation to work, low income housing options, Life skills training and support, and respite care. The main offices is in Boston, but services are across the state. Call 617-727-5608.
Massachusetts programs for disabled from non-profits and government agencies
There are multiple offices in Massachusetts that the disabled can turn to. Find a location near you below. Whether homecare, cash aid, SSI applications, loans, or other assistance, help is offered.
Brain Injury Association - Massachusetts Address: 30 Lyman Street, Suite 10 Westborough, MA 01581 Main phone number is (800) 242-0030
Massachusetts’ Association for the Blind Community Services 200 Ivy Street Brookline, MA 02446 (617) 738-5110
Massachusetts’ Health and Human Services, Commission for the Blind Location - 48 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116-4718 Toll-free in MA: (800) 392-6450
Massachusetts’ Health and Human Services, Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 150 Mount Vernon Street, 5th Floor Dorchester, MA 02125 (800) 882-1155
Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf P.O. Box 52097 Boston, MA 02205 Call the center at (800) 530-7570
Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Special Education Main address is 75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148-4906 Call (781) 338-3375
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) Boston Office 100 High Street, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02110 (800) 495-0086
Massachusetts’ Department of Developmental Services 500 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02118 Main phone - (617) 727-5608
Massachusetts’ Department of Mental Health 25 Staniford Street Boston, MA 02114 Toll-free (800) 221-0053
Massachusetts’ MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid and CHIP) One Ashburton Place, 11th Floor Boston, MA 02108 (785) 296-3981
Massachusetts’ Health and Human Services Address is One Ashburton Place, 11th Floor Boston, MA 02108 Dial the office at (617) 573-1600
Massachusetts’ Health and Human Services, Rehabilitation Commission Address is 27 Wormwood Street Boston, MA 02210-1616 (800) 245-6543
Massachusetts’ Association of Councils on Aging 116 Pleasant Street, Room 306 Easthampton, MA 01027-2740 Call the program at (413) 527-6425
Massachusetts’ Administration and Finance, Office on Disability One Ashburton Place #1305 Boston, MA 02108 (800) 322-2020
Massachusetts’ Administration and Finance, Developmental Disabilities Council 1150 Hancock Street, Third Floor, Suite 300 Quincy, MA 02169 Telephone number is (617) 770-7676
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