$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Massachusetts Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Massachusetts
SSDI in Massachusetts - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Massachusetts - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI pays a monthly benefit if you worked long enough, paid Social Security taxes, and now have a disability that keeps you from substantial work. Massachusetts claims are decided by the state Disability Determination Services on Social Security's behalf. Because Massachusetts expanded Medicaid, you don't face the coverage gap some other states have, MassHealth is available while you wait for benefits to start.
AVERAGE MONTHLY BENEFIT
$1,630/mo
The average 2026 SSDI payment for all disabled workers nationwide
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
SUBSTANTIAL WORK LIMIT
$1,690/mo
Earning above this monthly amount (non-blind) generally counts as substantial gainful activity in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
MEDICARE WAITING PERIOD
24 months
Medicare starts 24 months after your SSDI cash benefits begin
SSA/CMS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers with a qualifying disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- People who earned enough recent Social Security work credits
- Those earning below the 2026 substantial gainful activity limit of $1,690/month ($2,830 if blind)
- Adults whose condition prevents substantial work
How to apply
The fastest way to file a strong SSDI claim is through Turnout. We offer a free consultation and work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win. We handle the paperwork and evidence so your Massachusetts claim is complete the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides my SSDI claim in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Disability Determination Services reviews the medical evidence and makes the disability decision for the Social Security Administration.
Will I lose health coverage while I wait?
No. Massachusetts expanded MassHealth, so you can get coverage while you wait out the 24-month Medicare waiting period.
Can I work at all while on SSDI?
Yes, within limits. A trial work period lets you test working, and any month you earn over $1,210 in 2026 counts toward it.
Government resources
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SSI in Massachusetts - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Massachusetts - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI pays monthly cash to people who are 65+, blind, or disabled and have very little income and few resources. Massachusetts adds its own State Supplement Program payment on top of the federal benefit, so your monthly check is larger here than the federal amount alone. Getting SSI in Massachusetts also opens the door to MassHealth automatically.
FEDERAL BENEFIT RATE
$994/mo
The maximum 2026 federal SSI payment for an individual ($1,491 for a couple)
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
STATE SUPPLEMENT
+$128.82/mo
Massachusetts adds a State Supplement Program payment for an individual living independently at full cost
MA SSP 2026 Payment Levels
RESOURCE LIMIT
$2,000
Countable resources must stay at or below $2,000 for an individual ($3,000 for a couple)
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
Who qualifies
- Adults 65 or older with very limited income and resources
- People who are blind or have a qualifying disability
- Children with a qualifying disability in a low-income household
- Massachusetts residents who meet the federal SSI income and resource rules
How to apply
The fastest way to file for SSI is through Turnout. We offer a free consultation and work on contingency, so there's no fee unless you're approved. When you apply for SSI, you're automatically considered for the Massachusetts SSP payment, there's no separate application.
Frequently asked questions
Does Massachusetts add to my federal SSI?
Yes. Massachusetts pays a State Supplement Program (SSP) benefit on top of your federal SSI, and the amount depends on your living arrangement.
Do I have to apply for SSP separately?
No. Your SSI application serves as your SSP application, and eligibility is determined after Social Security decides your SSI.
Will SSI get me MassHealth?
Yes. Massachusetts is a 1634 state, so receiving SSI automatically qualifies you for MassHealth Standard.
Government resources
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Veterans Benefits in Massachusetts
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Massachusetts
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability compensation pays tax-free monthly benefits for service-connected conditions. On top of federal VA benefits, Massachusetts offers Chapter 115 needs-based aid, local property tax exemptions, and an annuity for certain disabled veterans. Every Massachusetts city and town has a Veterans' Service Officer who helps you claim both state and federal benefits for free.
100% DISABILITY RATE
$3,938.58/mo
The 2026 tax-free monthly payment for a veteran alone rated 100% disabled
VA.gov 2026 Compensation Rates
STATE ANNUITY
$2,500/yr
Massachusetts pays an annual annuity to certain disabled veterans and eligible survivors after the HERO Act increase
MA EOVS, 2025
CHAPTER 115 AID
Needs-based
Low-income veterans and families can receive monthly cash and medical help through Chapter 115
MA EOVS / M.G.L. c. 115, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the VA
- Low-income Massachusetts veterans and dependents who qualify for Chapter 115
- Disabled veterans who own and occupy a home in Massachusetts
- Surviving spouses and parents of qualifying service members
How to apply
The fastest way to build a strong VA claim is through Turnout. We offer a free consultation and work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win. For Chapter 115 aid and property tax exemptions, connect with your local Veterans' Service Officer.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chapter 115?
Chapter 115 is a Massachusetts-only, needs-based program that gives low-income veterans and their families cash and medical assistance through your local Veterans' Service Officer.
Can I get a property tax break?
Yes. Massachusetts offers property tax exemptions under Clauses 22 through 22F for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and certain others, applied for through your local assessors.
Can I get both VA and Chapter 115 benefits?
Yes. Chapter 115 is separate from federal VA benefits, and you can receive both at the same time.
Government resources
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Healthcare Advocacy in Massachusetts
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Massachusetts
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Medicare is federal health coverage for people 65+ and for younger people who have received SSDI for 24 months. Choosing among Original Medicare, Advantage, Part D, and Medigap is complex. In Massachusetts, the free SHINE program (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) gives you unbiased, one-on-one counseling to compare plans and lower your costs.
SSDI WAITING PERIOD
24 months
Medicare begins 24 months after your SSDI cash benefits start
SSA/CMS, 2026
FREE MA COUNSELING
SHINE
Massachusetts' SHINE program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling statewide
MA Executive Office of Aging & Independence, 2026
SHINE HELPLINE
1-800-243-4636
MassOptions connects you to a certified SHINE counselor near you
MA SHINE Program, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults 65 or older who qualify for Social Security
- People who have received SSDI for 24 months
- People with ALS or end-stage renal disease
- Massachusetts residents who want free help comparing Medicare options
How to apply
The fastest way to get Medicare advocacy is through Turnout, which is covered by Medicare. We help you understand enrollment windows and plan choices so you avoid penalties and gaps. For free local plan counseling, you can also contact a Massachusetts SHINE counselor.
Frequently asked questions
What is SHINE?
SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) is Massachusetts' free program that gives Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers unbiased counseling on plans and cost-saving programs.
When does Medicare start if I'm on SSDI?
Medicare coverage begins 24 months after your SSDI cash benefits start, in most cases.
Can MassHealth help with Medicare costs?
Yes. If you have limited income, Medicare Savings Programs through MassHealth can pay your Part B premium and some cost-sharing.
Government resources
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Education Advocacy in Massachusetts
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Massachusetts
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal plan for a student who needs special education. In Massachusetts, once you give written consent to evaluate, the district must complete the evaluation, hold the Team meeting, and give you the proposed IEP within 45 school working days. Knowing these timelines is your best tool for holding a district accountable.
IEP TIMELINE
45 school days
The district must evaluate, meet, and provide a proposed IEP within 45 school working days of your written consent
MA DESE -- 603 CMR 28.05, 2026
EVALUATION WINDOW
30 school days
Evaluation assessments must be completed within 30 school working days after you consent
MA DESE -- 603 CMR 28.05, 2026
PARENT RESPONSE
30 days
You have up to 30 days to accept or reject the proposed IEP after you receive it
MA DESE -- 603 CMR 28.05(7), 2026
Who qualifies
- Students ages 3 to 21 with a qualifying disability who need specially designed instruction
- Children whose disability keeps them from progressing in the general curriculum
- Families who suspect a disability and request an evaluation in writing
- Students transitioning who need continued services planning
How to apply
The fastest way to get strong IEP support is through Turnout. Our advocates join your IEP meetings, review evaluations, and make sure the district meets Massachusetts' legal deadlines. We help you prepare requests and responses so your child gets the services they're owed.
Frequently asked questions
How fast must my district act in Massachusetts?
After your written consent, the district has 45 school working days to evaluate, hold the Team meeting, and give you a proposed IEP, with assessments done within the first 30 school working days.
What if I disagree with the school's evaluation?
You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation, and Massachusetts rules require the district to respond and, in many cases, help pay for it.
How long do I have to respond to the IEP?
You have up to 30 days to accept or reject the proposed IEP in whole or in part after you receive it.
Government resources
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MassHealth (Medicaid) in Massachusetts
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Massachusetts residents.
MassHealth (Medicaid) in Massachusetts
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Massachusetts residents.
MassHealth is Massachusetts' Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program, covering around 2 million residents, more than 1 in 4 people in the state. Because Massachusetts expanded Medicaid, most adults qualify at 138% of the federal poverty level, and there's no asset test for the income-based programs that cover adults, children, parents, and pregnant people. MassHealth updates its income limits each year on March 1, not January 1.
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Most adults 19 to 64 qualify at 133% of the poverty level plus a 5% disregard, about $1,835/month for one person in 2026
MassHealth 2026 Income Standards
KIDS & CHIP
Up to 300% FPL
Children can qualify for MassHealth or CHIP up to about $3,990/month for a household of one
MassHealth 2026 Income Standards
MEMBERS COVERED
~2 million
MassHealth covers around 2 million Massachusetts residents, more than 1 in 4 people statewide
BCBS of MA Foundation Databook, 2025
Who qualifies
- Adults 19 to 64 with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level
- Children under 19 with household income up to about 300% FPL
- Pregnant people with income up to 200% FPL
- Parents, caretakers, seniors, and people with disabilities who meet program rules
How to apply
Apply for MassHealth online at MAhealthconnector.org with a single application that also checks you for Health Connector and ConnectorCare coverage. You can also call MassHealth Customer Service at 1-800-841-2900. There's no open enrollment, you can apply any time of year.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an asset test for MassHealth?
For most adults, children, parents, and pregnant people evaluated under income-based rules, there is no asset test, only income counts. Seniors 65+ and some disability programs do have asset limits.
How is MassHealth different from the Health Connector?
MassHealth provides free or low-cost coverage based on income, while the Health Connector is the marketplace where you buy a plan; one application at MAhealthconnector.org checks you for both.
When do income limits change?
MassHealth adopts new poverty-level income limits on March 1 each year, so if you were denied in January or February, it can be worth reapplying after March 1.
Government resources
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SNAP in Massachusetts
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Massachusetts
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP gives you a monthly EBT card to buy groceries. Massachusetts, through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, which raises the gross income limit to 200% of the poverty level, far above the 130% federal floor, and drops the asset test for most households. That means many working families who'd be over the limit elsewhere still qualify here.
GROSS INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
Massachusetts uses categorical eligibility to set the gross income limit at 200% of poverty, about $2,660/month for one person in 2026
MA DTA 2026 (106 CMR 364)
MAX FAMILY OF 4
$994/mo
The maximum monthly allotment for a family of four in the 48 states and DC
USDA FNS, FY2026
PROCESSING TIME
7 to 30 days
Expedited cases are decided within 7 days; standard applications within 30 days
7 CFR 273, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross monthly income at or below 200% of the poverty level
- Most households, with no asset test under categorical eligibility
- Families, working adults, seniors, and people with disabilities who buy and prepare food together
- U.S. citizens and many lawfully present immigrants
How to apply
Apply online through DTA Connect at dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov, the fastest route, or call the DTA Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363. After you apply, DTA will schedule a short interview and, once approved, mail your EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
What's the income limit for SNAP in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility to raise the gross income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level, higher than the 130% federal minimum.
Is there an asset test?
For most households there is no asset test in Massachusetts; a limited asset test applies only to some elderly or disabled households that exceed the income limit.
How fast can I get benefits?
If your income and resources are very low, you may qualify for expedited SNAP within 7 days; otherwise a decision comes within 30 days.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Massachusetts
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Massachusetts
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC provides healthy food, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support for pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under 5. Massachusetts WIC is run by the Department of Public Health and loads your benefits onto an eWIC card you use like a debit card. If you already have MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC, you're automatically income-eligible.
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Households at or below 185% of the poverty level qualify for WIC
MA DPH WIC, 2026
AUTOMATIC ELIGIBILITY
MassHealth / SNAP
Having MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC makes you automatically income-eligible for WIC
MA DPH WIC, 2026
STATEWIDE LINE
1-800-942-1007
The Massachusetts WIC line connects you to a local clinic to start your application
MA DPH WIC, 2026
Who qualifies
- Pregnant people and those up to 6 months postpartum
- Breastfeeding people up to the infant's first birthday
- Infants and children under age 5
- Fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and guardians applying for an eligible child
How to apply
Start your pre-application online at mass.gov or call the statewide WIC line at 1-800-942-1007 to schedule your first appointment. A WIC staff member follows up by phone to complete a certification appointment and set up your eWIC card.
Frequently asked questions
Does MassHealth make me eligible for WIC?
Yes. Massachusetts WIC treats MassHealth/Medicaid, SNAP, and TAFDC enrollment as automatic income eligibility, bring your card to your appointment.
How do I get my WIC benefits?
Benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card you use like a debit card at WIC-authorized stores across Massachusetts.
Who administers WIC in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health runs WIC through its Nutrition Division and a network of local clinics.
Government resources
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LIHEAP in Massachusetts
Assistance that helps cover your home heating bills during the winter season.
LIHEAP in Massachusetts
Assistance that helps cover your home heating bills during the winter season.
LIHEAP, known in Massachusetts as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or Fuel Assistance, helps pay winter heating bills whether you rent or own and no matter your heat source. It's run by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities through local Community Action agencies. Eligibility is based on 60% of the state median income, not the poverty level, so more households qualify than you might expect.
INCOME LIMIT
60% of SMI
Household income cannot exceed 60% of the estimated state median income
MA EOHLC / HEAP, FY2026
HEATING SEASON
Nov 1 to Apr 30
Fuel Assistance covers heating costs during the winter heating season
MA EOHLC / HEAP, FY2026
HEAT LINE
1-800-632-8175
The Massachusetts Heat Line connects you to your local Fuel Assistance agency
MA EOHLC / HEAP, FY2026
Who qualifies
- Households with income at or below 60% of the state median income
- Renters and homeowners, including those whose heat is included in rent
- Households using any heat source, oil, gas, electric, propane, wood, or more
- Massachusetts residents who reapply each heating season
How to apply
Applications open October 1 for the heating season and are taken by your local Fuel Assistance agency. You can apply online, in person, or by mail, or call the Massachusetts Heat Line at 1-800-632-8175 to find your local agency. First-time applicants complete an intake appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What income counts for Fuel Assistance?
Massachusetts uses 60% of the estimated state median income, counting the gross annual income of every household member 18 or older.
Can I get help if heat is included in my rent?
Yes. You may still qualify for Fuel Assistance even when heat is included in your rent, though the benefit is calculated differently.
Who runs the program?
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities administers HEAP through a network of local Community Action agencies.
Government resources
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Health Connector Marketplace in Massachusetts
State subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Massachusetts residents.
Health Connector Marketplace in Massachusetts
State subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Massachusetts residents.
Massachusetts runs its own health insurance marketplace, the Massachusetts Health Connector, not HealthCare.gov. On top of federal premium tax credits, the state offers ConnectorCare, which layers state subsidies to produce low- or no-premium plans with no deductibles for income-eligible residents. A single application at MAhealthconnector.org checks you for MassHealth, ConnectorCare, and marketplace plans.
MARKETPLACE ENROLLMENT
391,744
Health Connector individual-market enrollment for 2026, up 1.6% from the end of 2025
MA Health Connector, 2026
GETTING HELP PAYING
75%
About 75% of Health Connector enrollees receive help paying for coverage at the start of 2026
MA Health Connector, 2026
CONNECTORCARE RANGE
100 to 400% FPL
ConnectorCare offers extra state subsidies to enrollees with income between 100% and 400% of poverty
MA Health Connector, 2026
Who qualifies
- Massachusetts residents who don't have affordable coverage through a job or a public program
- Income-eligible residents (about 100 to 400% FPL) for ConnectorCare subsidies
- Anyone, regardless of income, who wants to buy a marketplace plan
- People with a qualifying life event outside open enrollment
How to apply
Enroll at MAhealthconnector.org or call 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) for phone help or an in-person assister. Do not use HealthCare.gov, Massachusetts residents enroll only through the state Health Connector. If you qualify for ConnectorCare or MassHealth, you can enroll any time of year.
Frequently asked questions
Do I use HealthCare.gov in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts runs its own marketplace, so you must enroll through MAhealthconnector.org, not HealthCare.gov.
What is ConnectorCare?
ConnectorCare is a state program that adds subsidies on top of federal tax credits for lower-income enrollees, producing low- or no-premium plans with no deductibles.
Can I enroll outside open enrollment?
If you qualify for ConnectorCare or MassHealth, or have a qualifying life event, you can enroll outside the regular open enrollment window.
Government resources
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TAFDC in Massachusetts (Cash Assistance)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TAFDC in Massachusetts (Cash Assistance)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
Massachusetts' TANF program is called TAFDC, Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, run by the Department of Transitional Assistance. It gives monthly cash to low-income families with children and to pregnant people. Grants rose 10% in April 2025, and the maximum monthly grant for a family of three is now $861 in subsidized housing. Note this is the benefit amount, which is separate from the income limit to qualify.
MAX GRANT, FAMILY OF 3
$861/mo
The maximum monthly TAFDC benefit for a family of three in public or subsidized housing ($901 in private housing)
MA DTA, 2026
TIME LIMIT
24 of 60 months
Some families are limited to 24 months of benefits within a 5-year period, with extensions available
MA DTA, 2026
DECISION TIME
30 days
DTA approves or denies your TAFDC application within 30 days
MA DTA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with dependent children and very low income
- Pregnant people with little or no income
- Grandparents and other relatives caring for a child, through child-only grants
- Massachusetts residents who meet the TAFDC income and asset rules
How to apply
Apply online through DTA Connect or by calling your local DTA office or the Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363. DTA will schedule a phone interview and decide within 30 days. All work-capable applicants are connected to employment and training through the Pathways to Work program.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the TAFDC grant?
The maximum monthly grant for a family of three is $861 in subsidized housing or $901 in private housing after the 10% increase in April 2025; your amount depends on family size, housing, and income.
Is there a time limit?
Some families can receive TAFDC for only 24 months in a 5-year period, but you can request extensions and there's no limit on how many you can ask for.
Will working end my benefits right away?
No. DTA won't lower your grant for six months of work as long as your total income stays under 200% of the poverty level.
Government resources
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EITC in Massachusetts (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Massachusetts (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit puts money back in the pockets of workers with low to moderate income. Massachusetts has its own state EITC worth 40% of your federal credit, and it's refundable, if it's bigger than your tax bill, the Department of Revenue pays you the difference. Claiming the federal credit automatically sets up your state credit.
STATE MATCH
40% of federal
The Massachusetts EITC equals 40% of your federal Earned Income Tax Credit
MA DOR, 2026
FEDERAL MAX, 3+ KIDS
$8,231
The maximum federal EITC for a worker with three or more qualifying children in 2026
IRS, 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)
FEDERAL MAX, NO KIDS
$664
The maximum federal EITC for a worker with no qualifying children in 2026
IRS, 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)
Who qualifies
- Massachusetts residents who qualify for the federal EITC
- Workers with earned income below the federal limits
- Workers with or without qualifying children
- Filers with a valid Social Security number who file a state return
How to apply
Claim the credit by filing a Massachusetts tax return, you must claim and receive the federal EITC first, and the state credit follows automatically at 40% of the federal amount. Free help is available at VITA sites and through AARP Tax-Aide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Massachusetts EITC?
It's 40% of your federal EITC and it's refundable, so you can get a cash refund even if you owe no state tax.
Do I need to apply separately for the state credit?
No. Once you qualify for and receive the federal EITC, you claim the Massachusetts credit on your state return at 40% of that amount.
Will the credit affect my other benefits?
No. Federal and Massachusetts tax credits do not count against eligibility for programs like SNAP, WIC, MassHealth, SSI, or TAFDC.
Government resources
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Child Tax Credits in Massachusetts
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credits in Massachusetts
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The federal Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per child, with up to $1,700 refundable. On top of that, Massachusetts offers its own Child and Family Tax Credit, a refundable $440 per dependent with no cap on the number of dependents and no income limit. The state credit covers more than just young children, including disabled dependents and seniors 65+.
FEDERAL CREDIT
$2,200/child
The federal Child Tax Credit is up to $2,200 per qualifying child, with up to $1,700 refundable in 2026
IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (via Tax Foundation), 2026
MA STATE CREDIT
$440/dependent
The Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit is $440 per eligible dependent for tax year 2024 and beyond
MA DOR, 2026
MA DEPENDENT CAP
No limit
There's no cap on how many dependents you can claim for the Massachusetts credit
MA DOR, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child for the federal Child Tax Credit
- Massachusetts households with dependent children under 13 for the state credit
- Households with a disabled dependent or spouse, or a dependent 65 or older
- Families of any income level for the state credit, with no dependent cap
How to apply
Claim the federal Child Tax Credit on your federal return and the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit on your state return (Form 1, Line 46). The state credit is refundable and requires no earned income or minimum income. Free filing help is available at VITA sites.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Massachusetts credit different from the federal one?
The federal Child Tax Credit is up to $2,200 per child and phases out at higher incomes, while the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit is a flat $440 per dependent with no income limit and no cap on dependents.
Who counts as a dependent for the state credit?
Children under 13, dependents who are disabled, a spouse unable to care for themselves, and dependents age 65 or older all qualify.
Is the Massachusetts credit refundable?
Yes. It's fully refundable, so you can receive it even if you owe no Massachusetts tax and have little or no income.
Government resources
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Child Care Financial Assistance in Massachusetts
Subsidized child care for working Massachusetts families.
Child Care Financial Assistance in Massachusetts
Subsidized child care for working Massachusetts families.
Massachusetts helps eligible families pay for child care through the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). As of January 1, 2026, the state raised initial income eligibility from 50% to 85% of the state median income, a major expansion. Because demand outpaces funding, there's a statewide waitlist, but families referred by DTA or DCF get the benefit as an entitlement and skip the line.
ENTRY INCOME LIMIT
85% of SMI
Initial eligibility now reaches families at or below 85% of the state median income after the January 2026 expansion
MA EEC 2026 (606 CMR 10.04)
CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY
85% of SMI
Families keep assistance until income rises above 85% of the state median income
MA EEC 2026 (606 CMR 10.04)
WAITLIST
Yes
A statewide waitlist applies when funding is limited, but DTA/DCF-referred families are exempt
MA EEC, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with income at or below 85% of the state median income at initial application
- Parents who are working, in school or training, or in a qualifying activity
- Families referred by DTA or DCF, who receive assistance without a waitlist
- Children under 13, or under 16 with special needs
How to apply
Apply online through MyChildCareMA, or call Mass 211 at 1-877-211-6277 (extension 23) or your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency. If funding isn't available, you'll join the statewide waitlist and get a notice with your application date.
Frequently asked questions
What's the income limit to get in?
As of January 1, 2026, Massachusetts raised initial eligibility to families with income at or below 85% of the state median income, up from 50%.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes, when funding is limited there's a statewide waitlist, but families referred by DTA or DCF receive the benefit as an entitlement and are not placed on it.
Who runs child care assistance in Massachusetts?
The Department of Early Education and Care administers it through local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
Government resources
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