There are numerous assistance programs in Massachusetts for those who need help. Grants for felons in Massachusetts will help to provide for the person’s basic needs, while they work at trying to better their situation. Most of the programs provide short term help, but there are some that will allow people to get the help long term. The program requirements and application process differ for each program, so be sure to investigate them thoroughly.
Unlike loans, grants do not have to ever be paid back. This is great news for felons who need cash and bill paying assistance. There will not be any stress about having to pay back the assistance that you are receiving. The grants are largely federally funded, but there are some that are state and locally funded. Be sure to apply for as many as you qualify for, because there are no limits on how many you can get help from at once.
Grants for Felons in Massachusetts
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Those who need help obtaining food may qualify for help through SNAP. The program provides a monthly grant to help people be able to purchase food. Those who are qualified will receive an electronic debit card, where funds will be added each month. The card can then be used at the grocery store to pay for food items. To qualify for SNAP, you have to meet the low income requirements, and you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount your grant will be each month depends on the number of people in your household. To apply for SNAP in Massachusetts, click here.
Economic Assistance – The national program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is known as Economic Assistance in Massachusetts. The program will provide those who qualify with a monthly cash grant. The funds can be used to pay for any type of basic living expenses, including housing, transportation, clothing, food, or paying bills. They also provide emergency aid to those who need it. The benefits they provide also include two months of health benefits and employment support. To qualify, you have to have a low income. To apply, click here.
Housing of Urban Development (HUD) – Felons who need help finding an affordable place to live, paying rent, or avoiding foreclosure may be able to receive assistance through HUD. The federally funded programs help people with their housing needs. They also own some housing complexes, called Section 8, which offers low cost housing to those who qualify. HUD will also provide people with weatherization services, which will help to reduce their heating and cooling bills. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal non-resident. To apply for HUD in Massachusetts, click here.
MassHealth – The MassHealth program is made up of the federally funded Medicaid program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. MassHealth provides those with a low income with help obtaining medical care. The program will pay for such things as doctor visits, hospital stays, dental work, and prescription drugs. To qualify, you have to show you have a low income, and you have to be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is federally funded, and helps people by paying for heating and cooling bills. They will pay for a portion of your bill, if you qualify. If you do qualify, the grant is given directly to the utility provider to pay your bill. The program will pay for such heating bills as oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal. They also provide weatherization services, which will help to reduce your monthly bill. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements. Applications are taken from November 1 to April 30. To apply for a LIHEAP utility grant, click here.
Lifeline- Felons who need help paying for a phone may qualify for the Lifeline program. The federally funded program will pay for those with a low income to have a phone. You can choose a land line or mobile phone. The mobile phone comes with a data plan. To meet the qualification requirements, you have to have a low income. If you are already receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, you may automatically qualify for a Lifeline phone. To apply, click here.
In addition to the above programs, there are more grants for felons in Massachusetts. Some programs are offered through local churches and community organizations. Contact your local churches to see what type of assistance programs they offer. Many will help people with food, clothing, transportation vouchers, bill paying, and more. They usually do not have strict qualification requirements in order to receive the help. Many local programs can also refer you to additional resources in your area that may help with a variety of free services.
