4 Ways Boston Residents Can Get Financial or Legal Assistance in Times of Need

Sometimes we need help and that’s okay. The necessary support may come in financial assistance, emotional support, or information you may not have been aware of. You may be aware of programs and services but not know how to apply or if you are eligible. The good news is if you search, you will find good resources and services available to residents of Boston.

We have provided a few resources for various individuals, including low-income families, Veterans, people in need of legal services and family caregivers of loved ones. And we will continue to add additional programs and organizations to this article.

Keep reading to learn more about these Boston-specific programs, eligibility requirements and the best way to apply.

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) provides rental assistance for low-income families via Metro Housing Boston. The RAFT funds can be used to pay late rent, security deposits, first and last month’s rent and moving expenses.

The RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. RAFT provides qualifying households with maximum benefit limit of $10,000 per household in a 12-month period.

Boston applicants will need to provide sufficient documentation to prove eligibility. In addition, to qualify for RAFT, the household income must be below 50% area median income.

Learn more about eligibility and how to apply online.

*RAFT is a resource for renters and does not serve homeowners; however, there are resources for Boston residents via the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund.

Boston Veteran Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to qualified Veterans and their independents under the Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 115. Veterans may be eligible for help with:

• daily living expenses
• medical costs
• rent assistance
• support of dependents, and
• prevention of homelessness.

Eligibility requires that you are a Veteran. Veterans are defined as having served 90 days of activity duty, one day considered “wartime” or 180 days during “peacetime.” To apply, you must prove Boston residency by showing your address on a bill, insurance policy, lease or deed agreement etc. and verify your income.

Learn more about applying, eligibility and service requirements and exceptions.

*These resources are also available to dependents or widows with proper documentation.

Greater Boston Legal Services

The Greater Boston Legal Services provides free non-criminal legal services to low-income families and individuals in Boston and surrounding cities.

The Greater Boston Legal Services was formed in 1976 with a merger of the Boston Legal Assistance Project and Boston Legal Aid Society, dating back to 1900. Today, GBLS has a team of 69 attorneys and 17 paralegals providing representation for victims of domestic abuse, homeless families seeking emergency shelter, elders, and people with limited mobility in need of medical benefits.

GBLS has certain income requirements and service areas, but Boston and 31 surrounding areas are currently serviced. In some places like Acton, Bedford and Lincoln, only services for people over 60 are available. Learn more about Great Boston Legal Services eligibility requirements.

Seniorlink and Caregiver Homes

As our loved ones age, they often require assistance that can be emotionally and financially demanding. Seniorlink provides family caregivers with coaching and emotional and financial support.

Caregiver Homes offers a program that supports caregivers called Adult Foster Care(AFC). AFC provides tax-free payments for care being provided and a dedicated care team to answer questions and provide emotional support.

Seniorlink is a Caregiver Homes subsidiary headquartered in Boston, MA. The program is an alternative to moving your loved one into a nursing home and is covered under certain Medicaid waivers. In addition, eligible participants may be paid a stipend.

Seniorlink works with government payers and Medicare Advantage providers, so you may be eligible if your loved one is enrolled in a Massacutestes Medicaid provider.

For more information on support and eligibility, apply online.

Harmar Mobility in Boston

Harmar is a leading manufacturer of wheelchair lifts for automobiles, stairlifts for the home, and residential and commercial vertical platform lifts and ramps.

We are in the business of making lives easier at home and while on the road for anyone in need of assistance, from those aging in place to parents of children with special needs to our veterans.

For Harmar mobility and accessibility solutions in Boston, MA, find an authorized dealer near you.