Massachusetts Reentry Financial Help
Massachusetts Financial Help: Food, Utilities, Benefits & Emergency Assistance
Start with Mass 2-1-1 for local referrals. For food benefits, Massachusetts SNAP (DTA) is the official program. For heating help, apply to HEAP/Fuel Assistance through official channels.
Statewide — Start Here
Official entry points
✅ Verified Official Benefits & Hotlines
Mass 2-1-1 (United Way)
Free, confidential referrals for food, housing, utilities, and local aid programs.
Free, confidential referrals for food, housing, utilities, and local aid programs.
Tell them your county/city and what bill or benefit you need.
Dial 2-1-1
SNAP (DTA) — official info
Food benefits on an EBT card (eligibility and rules apply).
Food benefits on an EBT card (eligibility and rules apply).
Apply via DTAConnect when possible.
mass.gov
HEAP / Fuel Assistance (apply)
Help paying winter heating bills; apply online or through local agencies.
Help paying winter heating bills; apply online or through local agencies.
Have ID, proof of income, and heating bill info ready.
mass.gov
🛠️ Eligible Food Help & Application Support
Project Bread — FoodSource Hotline
Get help finding food resources and SNAP application guidance.
Get help finding food resources and SNAP application guidance.
Call/text for help navigating benefits and local food options.
1-800-645-8333
DTAConnect — Apply
Online portal for applying to Massachusetts benefits (SNAP and more).
Online portal for applying to Massachusetts benefits (SNAP and more).
If you can’t apply online, ask Mass 2-1-1 for alternatives.
Portal
Greater Boston
Counties: Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk
✅ Verified Start Lines
Mass 2-1-1 (Boston-area referrals)
Local programs for rent, food pantries, utility help, and more.
Local programs for rent, food pantries, utility help, and more.
Ask for “utility shutoff prevention” and “food pantry near me.”
Dial 2-1-1
🛠️ Eligible Food Help
Project Bread — Get Help Directory
Find food programs and support navigating SNAP and other resources.
Find food programs and support navigating SNAP and other resources.
Use hotline for application support and local food options.
Website
North Shore
Counties: Essex
✅ Verified Referrals
Mass 2-1-1 (Essex County referrals)
Local assistance programs by city/town.
Local assistance programs by city/town.
Ask for “emergency food” and “utility assistance.”
Dial 2-1-1
🛠️ Eligible Benefits
SNAP (DTA) — info
Official SNAP information and benefit basics.
Official SNAP information and benefit basics.
Apply online when possible.
mass.gov
South Shore & Cape
Counties: Plymouth, Barnstable
✅ Verified Referrals
Mass 2-1-1 (South Shore/Cape)
Local help with bills, food, rent, and emergency resources.
Local help with bills, food, rent, and emergency resources.
Ask for local HEAP application agency contact.
Dial 2-1-1
🛠️ Eligible Heating Help
Apply for HEAP / Fuel Assistance
Official application instructions and intake options.
Official application instructions and intake options.
Apply early during the season if possible.
mass.gov
Central Massachusetts
Counties: Worcester
✅ Verified Referrals
Mass 2-1-1 (Worcester area)
Local programs for food, utilities, and emergency assistance.
Local programs for food, utilities, and emergency assistance.
Ask for “emergency food” and “rental assistance.”
Dial 2-1-1
🛠️ Eligible Food Help
FoodSource Hotline
Help finding food resources and SNAP support statewide.
Help finding food resources and SNAP support statewide.
Call/text for guidance and referrals.
1-800-645-8333
Western Massachusetts
Counties: Hampden, Hampshire, Berkshire, Franklin
✅ Verified Referrals
Mass 2-1-1 (Western MA)
Local help for food, rent, and utility assistance programs.
Local help for food, rent, and utility assistance programs.
Ask for local HEAP application agency.
Dial 2-1-1
🛠️ Eligible Benefits
SNAP (DTA) — official info
Official program overview and benefit basics.
Official program overview and benefit basics.
Apply via DTAConnect when possible.
mass.gov
Southeastern Massachusetts
Counties: Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket
✅ Verified Referrals
Mass 2-1-1 (SE MA)
Local food, rent, and utility assistance programs.
Local food, rent, and utility assistance programs.
Ask for “utility shutoff prevention” and “emergency food.”
Dial 2-1-1
🛠️ Eligible Heating Help
HEAP / Fuel Assistance (apply)
Official HEAP application instructions and intake options.
Official HEAP application instructions and intake options.
Gather ID, proof of income, and heating bill info.
mass.gov
Fastest start: Call 2-1-1 for local programs. Use SNAP (DTA) for food benefits and HEAP for heating help.
Get listed or updated: Massachusetts providers can request listing updates at contact@oacra.app.
