Benefits & Services

Helping Newton’s low-income residents includes ongoing support.

We provide information about government benefits and services to low- income tenants to help them maintain housing stability.

If you are a low-income resident of Newton, we may be able to assist you in completing applications for federal and state benefit programs:

  • Food stamps (SNAP); WIC

  • MassHealth (recertification required now)

  • SSI and Social Security Disability

  • Child Care Voucher

  • Utility discounts

  • Other benefits

Email us or call 617-906-7293 for more information.

Explore below to view a list of government and other helpful resources.

Ready to file your 2023 federal and state tax returns?

We serve low- to moderate-income filers, by helping prepare and submit your tax returns to the IRS and Massachusetts Department of Revenue. We can also help you file returns for 2022 and 2021, if you have not already done so, and help you claim any credits due to you for those years.

Current resources available to help Newton’s low-income residents.

Healthcare

Medical Insurance: Health Connector

The Massachusetts Health Connector is a state-based health insurance Marketplace that makes shopping for affordable health and dental coverage easier for Massachusetts individuals, families, and small businesses. We offer plans from the state's leading insurers that have been awarded the state's Seal of Approval, so you can be sure the plan you choose meets both state and national coverage standards.

Free COVID Vaccines

Centers for Disease Control has Bridge Access Program which provides free vaccines to adults over 18. They have partnered with some pharmacies and local health departments.

Newton Health Department
1000 Commonwealth Ave
Newton, MA 02459-1449
Phone: (617) 796-1420

Medical Insurance: MassHealth (Medicaid)

In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth members may be able to get doctors’ visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, and many other important services.

Healthcare Education at Newton-Wellesley Hospital

The Newton-Wellesley Hospital Community Collaborative was formed to enhance medical services and resources throughout the community and includes:

  • Partnerships between our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program and area high schools

  • Funding a strong domestic violence support effort

  • Providing free flu vaccination clinics

  • Providing donations of Naloxone (Narcan) to first responders for emergency treatment of overdoses

  • Providing lunches for school children in Waltham during summer break

  • Supporting home-based programs to prevent seniors from falling

Food

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

This program is sometimes referred to as Food Stamps. SNAP is administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).

SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps)

WIC (Women, Infants & Children)

WIC is for all kinds of families: married and single parents, working or not working. If you are a parent or legal guardian of a child under 5, you can apply for WIC for your child. WIC is available regardless of immigration or citizenship status.

Healthy Incentive Program ( HIP)

The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) is an extension of SNAP that allows you to access fresh fruits and vegetables for your household.

Use your SNAP dollars on fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands and CSA’s and be instantly reimbursed, up to a monthly limit.

Free Newton Schools Breakfast and Lunch Program

The Newton Public Schools will be participating in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Families should still complete a Meal Benefit Application.

Newton Food Pantries

There are 3 food pantries, a mobile food bank and a “Freedge”:

Utilities

Heating and Electricity:

Fuel Assistance (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

For assistance with winter heating bill, administered by ABCD. Applications will begin in November 2023. Contact Newton Human Services 617-796-1420 or apply online: Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)

There are two additional Federal assistance programs administered through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

  • Heating System Repair & Replacement Program (HEARTWAP): provides emergency heating system repair and replacement services to low-income households. Apply online here

  • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program provides eligible households with full-scale home energy conservation services. Apply online here

Phone and Internet Discounts:

Lifeline Program - Lifeline is a federal program that provides free or low-cost phone or internet service to low-income households through a monthly service discount of up to $9.25. Apply for a discounted communications service

Comcast (Xfinity): Provides discounts for internet service to eligible households. Apply at xfinity.com

RCN: Internet First discount program for internet service to eligible households.

Good Neighbor Energy Assistance Fund

The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance. Income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels.

RAFT – Residential Assistance for Families in Transition

Massachusetts has programs to help you with rent or other housing costs when facing eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. Apply here for Rental Assistance in Massachusetts to Avoid Eviction

National Grid: Discount Rate Application application for eligible households.

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): Administered by ABCD. For more information, read this fact sheet.

Eversource

Discount Rate for eligible households.

Some households may be able to get help with outstanding bills through New Start.

Some households may be protected from a shut off.

Education

SAVE

The Biden administration announced the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) program earlier this summer. This program will offer some, but not all, Federal debt forgiveness; payments will be calculated on family income; and, if monthly payments are made, interest will not accrue. Information and applications can be found at SAVE Repayment Plan Offers Lower Monthly Loan Payments | Federal Student Aid.

MASSEDUCATE

In July, 2024 Governor Healey the Fiscal 2025 state budget, which in part establishes the MassEducate program, a new initiative that makes every community college in the state free for anyone who has never earned a degree.  The program will pay all your tuition and fees, and provide a stipend for books and supplies for some students. 

MASSRECONNECT (will be replaced by MASSEDUCATE)

MASSRECONNECT is a program which allows eligible residents 25 years and older to go to a community college for free. Program begins in the fall of 2023.

MA REPAY PROGRAM

Early education, childcare, home health and other home- and community-based workers are eligible are eligible for funds to repay students loans through the state’s MA Repay program.

Jewish Vocational Services

JVS provides adult education, workforce development:

“For over 80 years JVS has helped people secure financial independence. Last year, JVS empowered over 15,000 individuals to build their skills, advance their education, and find employment. JVS offers over 35 different programs to help individuals from all backgrounds on their way toward achieving the American Dream.”

MASSGrant & MASSGrant Plus

Under the MASSGrant Plus program, full time students attending Massachusetts four-year public colleges and universities, and full-time and part-time students attending Massachusetts public community colleges may be eligible for additional funding to help with the cost of tuition, fees and books.

Tradeswomen: Building Pathways

Building Pathways is a non-profit organization based in Boston. Founded by the Greater Building Trades Unions, we are dedicated to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of under-represented groups in the union building trades, including women, people of color and other under-served communities.

Join monthly Zoom meetings to share information about apprenticeship program schedules and opportunities to enter the building trade careers such as Electricians, Carpenters, and Plumbers to name a few.

Check the website for the calendar of events at buildingpathwaysma.org, or reach out with questions: kristen@buildingpathwaysma.org or (857) 800 8881.

Newton-Wellesley Community Collaborative

Healthcare Career Exploration Series upcoming on April 23 and May 1. Explore a wide variety of careers in a hospital setting in this two-session event detailing “day-in-the-life” and educational requirements.

Registration is required, and the program is virtual. Learn more and register here

Financial Literacy

MA State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment

The Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) is a department of State Treasurer and Receiver General Deborah B. Goldberg tasked with offering free and accessible financial education, promoting wage equality, and creating a bright future for children across the state.

MetroHousing Boston: Green Space Financial Coaching

Green Space is a financial literacy and coaching program for low- and moderate-income families and individuals in Greater Boston.  Green Space provides workshops and one-on-one financial coaching with no time limits, focusing on each participant’s financial priorities. Green Space also provides housing stabilization case management services as needed.

Green Space Financial Literacy workshops are held on the 2nd  Wednesday and 3rd Tuesdays of every month.

For more information, please contact Shawn Judge, Green Space Financial Coaching Coordinator at GreenSpace@MetroHousingBoston.org

Job and Financial Management Clinic

WATCH CDC works towards a more just community in the Waltham area by promoting affordable housing, providing adult education and leadership development, and empowering underrepresented residents through civic engagement. Learn more about WATCH here.

WATCH is a Community Development Corporation, located in Waltham.

Jewish Vocational Services

JVS provides adult education, workforce development:

“For over 80 years JVS has helped people secure financial independence. Last year, JVS empowered over 15,000 individuals to build their skills, advance their education, and find employment. JVS offers over 35 different programs to help individuals from all backgrounds on their way toward achieving the American Dream.”

Women’s Money matters

Women’s Money Matters, formerly Budget Buddies, builds the financial wellness, confidence, and security of women living on low-incomes through a unique program that combines instructional workshops and one-to-one coaching.

Transportation

As of July 12, 2024 NewMo (Newton in Motion) has been replaced by GoGo Newton

Who will be eligible to book GoGo Newton?

  • Seniors (ages 65+)

  • People living with a disability (ages 18-64)

  • People receiving public assistance (ages 18+)

  • Recent NewMo users (ages 60-64)

GoGo Newton Transportation Service

  • The GoGo model provides responsive customer service to link riders with carefully vetted and selected Uber and Lyft drivers 24/7 with point-to-point service.

  • Rides are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

  • All rides must originate or end in Newton. The service area includes anywhere in Newton, Brookline, Needham, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley, and Weston, as well as most Boston area medical facilities:

For information on Application Process, Rates and destinations, see GoGo Newton Transportation

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

The MBTA’s Reduced Fare Program has been expanded. This income-eligible program offers reduced fares to riders between the ages of 18–64 who are enrolled in an approved state assistance program.

Income-eligible CharlieCards can be loaded with:

  • Cash value for roughly 50% reduced one-way fares

  • $10 7-Day LinkPasses

  • $30 monthly LinkPasses

Learn more about the Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program.

Social Security

The government has a website which allows you to explore all the things that can be done through SSA (Social Security Administration).

Learn more from the United States Social Security Administration

Childcare

Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance can help pay for child care and out- of-school (after school) time programs.

Currently there is a wait time. It is important to submit your application if you meet the financial and service eligibility guidelines. To be put on the waitlist, families must be at 50% of SMI in most cases, 85% for some cases (disabled child, employed by an EEC licensed program) AND typically working or going to school. Those without a service need can be put on the wait list but have a much lower priority. If the family is homeless, working at an EEC licensed program, affiliated with programs to treat substance abuse, domestic violence situations—those families receive a priority code for the waitlist.  It does not give immediate access, but prioritizes their case.

DTA, DCF and 211 can help with referrals.

The Child Care Resource & Referral agency for Newton is Community Care for Kids.