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Grants for Single Mothers in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at DTA Connect – you can get benefits within 1-7 days
  3. Contact local food banks – Find the nearest pantry at Mass 2-1-1

Crisis Numbers:

  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-785-2020
  • Suicide Prevention: 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

Massachusetts offers over 20 programs to help single mothers get back on their feet. Emergency help available within 1-7 days. Key programs include food assistance for families earning under $3,064/month, cash assistance up to $861/month for a family of three, and real educational grants that can change your life.

Top Programs by Urgency:

  • Emergency Food: SNAP benefits up to $766/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Cash: TAFDC up to $861/month (increased April 2025)
  • Emergency Housing: Section 8 vouchers (waiting lists currently closed)
  • Healthcare: MassHealth for families earning under $3,064/month
  • Education: One Family Scholarship covers tuition + living expenses

Main Points

Single mothers in Massachusetts face real challenges, but the state has more help available than most people realize. According to the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, about 43,000 families with children currently receive cash assistance, but many more programs exist.

What you need to know:

  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and utility help within weeks
  • Real grants exist – The One Family Scholarship and MASSGrant programs provide money you never have to pay back
  • You can work and still get help – Most programs allow working families to qualify
  • The system is complex – But this guide breaks it down step by step
  • Time limits exist – TAFDC has a 24-month limit, so plan ahead

Reality Check: Many programs have waiting lists or strict requirements. Apply for multiple programs and don’t get discouraged if the first one doesn’t work out.

Cash Assistance and Basic Needs

When you need help paying bills or buying food, these programs can provide immediate relief.

TAFDC (Cash Assistance)

According to the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, TAFDC benefits increased 10% in April 2025, bringing the maximum grant for a family of three to $861 per month.

The Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program provides temporary cash assistance to families with children or pregnant women who have little income. TAFDC is Massachusetts’ version of federal TANF (welfare) benefits. Recipients also get help finding work or going to school through the DTA’s job training programs.

Current benefit amounts (as of April 2025):

  • Family of 1: $486/month
  • Family of 2: $651/month
  • Family of 3: $861/month (up from $783)
  • Family of 4: $1,015/month
  • Plus $40/month housing supplement if you pay rent

Who qualifies:

  • Must be a Massachusetts resident
  • Must be U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
  • Must have children under 18 (or under 19 if still in high school)
  • Must have very low income (varies by family size)
  • Must be unemployed, underemployed, or facing job loss

Income limits for TAFDC:

Family Size Maximum Monthly Income
1 person $1,383
2 people $1,852
3 people $2,322
4 people $2,791

Important warnings:

  • 24-month time limit: You can only receive TAFDC for 24 months in a 5-year period
  • Work requirements: Most recipients must participate in work training or job search
  • Asset limits: No more than $2,500 in countable assets

How to apply:

  • Online: DTA Connect
  • Phone: 1-877-382-2363
  • In person: Local DTA office

Processing time: Up to 30 days

Reality Check: According to the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, even with the recent increase, TAFDC benefits are still below the federal poverty level and won’t cover all your basic needs.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

According to Massachusetts DTA, SNAP provides monthly benefits on an EBT card to help buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets.

SNAP (formerly called food stamps) helps low-income families buy nutritious food. The program is designed to supplement your food budget, not cover all food costs. Massachusetts also offers the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which gives you an extra $20 per month when you buy local produce with your SNAP card.

Maximum benefit amounts (2025):

  • 1 person: $292/month
  • 2 people: $536/month
  • 3 people: $766/month
  • 4 people: $975/month

Income limits for SNAP:

Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit
1 person $2,510
2 people $3,408
3 people $4,307
4 people $5,205

Who qualifies:

  • Massachusetts residents
  • U.S. citizens or qualified legal residents
  • Meet income and asset limits
  • No minimum age (families with children prioritized)

How to apply:

  • Online: DTA Connect
  • Phone: 1-877-382-2363
  • In person: Local DTA office

Emergency SNAP: If you have less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts, you can get benefits within 1-7 days.

Reality Check: Most families receive less than the maximum amount based on their income and expenses. The average SNAP benefit in Massachusetts is about $260 per person per month.

MassHealth (Healthcare)

According to EOHHS, MassHealth provides free or low-cost health insurance to eligible Massachusetts residents.

MassHealth is Massachusetts’ Medicaid program that combines traditional Medicaid with the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The program covers doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital care, mental health services, and preventive care. Massachusetts expanded Medicaid, so more families qualify than in many other states.

Income limits for MassHealth:

Family Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,801 $21,597
2 people $2,433 $29,180
3 people $3,064 $36,763
4 people $3,696 $44,346

What’s covered:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications
  • Emergency and hospital care
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Dental care for children
  • Preventive care including mammograms
  • Pregnancy and childbirth care

How to apply:

Processing time: Usually 30 days or less

Real Educational Grants That Change Lives

These are actual grants – money you never have to pay back. They’re competitive, but they can completely transform your life.

One Family Scholarship Program

According to Mass.gov, this program was established by the Massachusetts Legislature to help heads of households achieve their academic goals and provide a permanent path out of poverty.

The One Family Scholarship is specifically designed for single parents and heads of households who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Recipients get comprehensive support through One Family, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides wraparound services including housing assistance, childcare, transportation help, and career counseling.

What they cover:

  • Full tuition and fees at participating Massachusetts colleges
  • Living expenses during enrollment
  • Textbooks and supplies
  • Wraparound support services
  • Career counseling and job placement assistance

Requirements:

  • Be a Massachusetts resident for at least one year
  • Be a head of household with children under 18
  • At risk of homelessness or have experienced homelessness in past 12 months
  • Enrolled or planning to enroll in certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree program
  • Must participate in One Family, Inc. services and Leadership Seminar program
  • Must maintain satisfactory academic progress

How to apply:

  1. Visit onefamilyinc.org to complete online application
  2. Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov
  3. Participate in One Family’s services and programs

Reality Check: This is a highly competitive program with specific requirements. You must be willing to participate in One Family’s comprehensive support program, which includes regular meetings and workshops.

MASSGrant Program

According to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, MASSGrant provides need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students who are Massachusetts residents.

MASSGrant is the state’s main need-based grant program for college students. The program provides grants ranging from $300 to $1,714 per year based on financial need and the type of institution you attend. Unlike loans, these grants never have to be repaid.

Grant amounts:

  • Community colleges: Up to $1,714/year
  • State universities: Up to $1,714/year
  • Private colleges: Up to $1,714/year
  • Average award: $1,050/year

Requirements:

  • Massachusetts resident for at least one year
  • Enrolled at least half-time in undergraduate program
  • Attending eligible Massachusetts institution
  • Must file FAFSA and demonstrate financial need
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress

How to apply:

  1. Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov by March 1st
  2. Apply to eligible Massachusetts college or university
  3. Your school will automatically consider you for MASSGrant

Contact: Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070

Massachusetts Part-Time Grant Program

According to Massachusetts DHE, this program provides financial assistance for adults pursuing education on a part-time basis.

This grant program is specifically designed for working adults and single parents who can’t attend college full-time. It recognizes that many single mothers need to work while going to school and provides targeted support for part-time students.

Grant amounts:

  • Awards range from $200 to maximum based on institution type
  • Average award: $500-800/year
  • Can be combined with other financial aid

Requirements:

  • Massachusetts resident
  • Enrolled part-time (less than 12 credit hours)
  • Must demonstrate exceptional financial need
  • Attending eligible Massachusetts institution
  • Must file FAFSA

How to apply:

  • Contact Office of Student Financial Assistance at (617) 391-6070
  • Complete FAFSA
  • Work with your school’s financial aid office

Fund for Single Mothers at North Shore Community College

According to The Women’s Fund of Essex County, this fund provides additional financial support to single mothers completing their degrees at North Shore Community College.

This fund was created specifically to help single mothers who are already facing significant challenges: juggling work, parenting, childcare, and unreliable transportation. The fund provides emergency assistance when unexpected financial emergencies threaten to derail their education.

What they provide:

  • Emergency financial assistance for education-related expenses
  • Support to prevent dropping out due to financial crises
  • Additional help beyond traditional financial aid
  • Support throughout degree completion

Requirements:

  • Must be a single mother
  • Enrolled at North Shore Community College
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Show commitment to degree completion

Contact: The Women’s Fund of Essex County

Housing Help That Works

Finding affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for single mothers. Here are programs that can help.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

Important Update: According to Mass.gov, effective January 13, 2025, Massachusetts has closed its Section 8 mobile voucher waiting list until further notice.

Section 8 vouchers help very low-income families afford decent, safe housing in the private market. You find your own apartment that meets program requirements, and the voucher pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord. You typically pay about 30% of your income toward rent.

Current status:

  • Mobile vouchers: Waiting list CLOSED as of January 13, 2025
  • Project-based vouchers: Still available at specific properties
  • Income limits: Generally 50% of Area Median Income

Alternative options:

Reality Check: According to the Boston Globe, most housing authorities in Massachusetts have stopped issuing new vouchers due to federal funding cuts and rising rents. Waiting lists, when open, can be 1-3 years or longer.

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

According to Mass.gov, MRVP provides rent assistance for very low-income families using state funding.

MRVP is Massachusetts’ state-funded version of Section 8. The program provides rental assistance vouchers to help very low-income families afford housing. Like Section 8, you find your own apartment and the program pays a portion of your rent.

Income limits:

  • Must earn less than 50% of area median income
  • Priority for families earning less than 30% of area median income

How much help:

  • You pay 30-40% of your adjusted gross income for rent
  • MRVP pays the remainder up to program limits

How to apply:

Reality Check: Like Section 8, MRVP has limited funding and waiting lists. The state has stopped issuing new vouchers to preserve funding for current recipients.

RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition)

According to Mass.gov, RAFT provides short-term assistance to families facing eviction or homelessness.

RAFT helps families avoid eviction and homelessness by providing emergency rental assistance, security deposits, and moving costs. The program is designed to help families during housing crises and transition to stable housing.

What RAFT covers:

  • Back rent and utilities to avoid eviction
  • Security deposits and first month’s rent
  • Moving costs and storage fees
  • Temporary accommodation costs
  • Up to $10,000 per household per year

Who qualifies:

  • Massachusetts residents
  • Families with children under 21
  • Household income below 50% of area median income
  • Facing eviction, homelessness, or unsafe housing conditions

How to apply:

  • Contact local RAFT agencies
  • Call Mass 2-1-1 for referrals
  • Apply online through Massachusetts Emergency Housing Payment Assistance Portal

Processing time: Usually 5-10 business days

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

DTA Childcare Assistance

According to Mass DTA, the childcare assistance program helps eligible families pay for quality childcare while parents work or attend approved education programs.

This program helps working parents and students afford quality childcare for their children. The assistance is provided through vouchers that you can use at licensed childcare centers, family childcare homes, or approved relative care providers.

Income limits for childcare assistance:

Family Size Monthly Income Limit
2 people $3,150
3 people $3,781
4 people $4,413
5 people $5,044

What you pay:

  • Co-payments range from $15-200+ per month based on income
  • Lower income families pay less
  • Payments made directly to childcare provider

Requirements:

  • Working at least 20 hours per week, or
  • Attending approved education/training program, or
  • Participating in DTA work program
  • Must use licensed or approved childcare provider

How to apply:

  • Online: DTA Connect
  • Phone: 1-877-382-2363
  • In person: Local DTA office

Processing time: 30-45 days

Reality Check: Waiting lists are common, especially in urban areas. Apply as early as possible, even before you start work or school.

Head Start and Early Head Start

According to Head Start.gov, these programs provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income families.

Head Start serves children ages 3-5, while Early Head Start serves pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers up to age 3. Both programs provide comprehensive services including education, health screenings, meals, and family support services.

Services included:

  • Free high-quality early childhood education
  • Health and dental screenings and care
  • Nutritious meals and snacks
  • Mental health and social services
  • Parent education and family support
  • Transportation (at some locations)

Who qualifies:

  • Family income at or below 130% Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic qualification if receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI
  • Children with disabilities (up to 10% of enrollment)

Income limits (130% Federal Poverty Level):

Family Size Annual Income Limit
2 people $23,030
3 people $29,160
4 people $35,290
5 people $41,420

How to apply:

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

According to Mass.gov, WIC provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.

WIC provides specific healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services. The program is designed to supplement your family’s diet with nutritious foods and help ensure healthy pregnancies and child development.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant women
  • Breastfeeding mothers (up to baby’s first birthday)
  • Non-breastfeeding new mothers (up to 6 months after birth)
  • Children under age 5
  • Must meet income requirements and be at “nutritional risk”

Automatic qualification if you receive:

  • SNAP (food stamps)
  • TAFDC (cash assistance)
  • MassHealth (Medicaid)

Income limits (185% Federal Poverty Level):

Family Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $2,873 $34,479
2 people $3,888 $46,653
3 people $4,904 $58,827
4 people $5,919 $71,001

What WIC provides:

  • Monthly food packages (milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread)
  • Baby formula and baby food (if not breastfeeding)
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services

How to apply:

  • Call Massachusetts WIC at (800) 942-1007
  • Find local WIC office at mass.gov/wic
  • Apply in person (phone interviews not available)

What to bring:

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of income (or proof of SNAP/TAFDC/MassHealth)
  • Proof of address
  • Children’s immunization records

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

All programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone. Most assistance programs don’t discriminate based on gender of the parent.

Available programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • TAFDC (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • MassHealth (healthcare) – full family coverage available
  • Childcare assistance – same work/school requirements
  • Housing assistance – Section 8 and emergency rental help
  • WIC – fathers can apply for children under 5

Additional resources:

  • National Fatherhood Initiative: Resources for single fathers
  • Local support groups: Contact 2-1-1 for father-specific groups

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Special considerations for kinship families caring for grandchildren.

TAFDC eligibility:

  • Income limits may be higher when grandparent applies only for grandchild
  • Grandparent’s income and needs may not be counted in some cases
  • May qualify even if grandparent receives Social Security

Special supports:

  • Kinship Navigator Program: Guidance for relative caregivers
  • Support groups specifically for grandparents
  • Legal assistance for custody and guardianship issues

Contact: Massachusetts Department of Children and Families Kinship Services

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All Massachusetts state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination.

Legal protections:

  • Massachusetts law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Same-sex married couples eligible for all family programs
  • Foster and adoptive parents receive equal treatment

Support organizations:

  • MassEquality: (617) 878-2300
  • Boston Pride: Information and support services
  • PFLAG Massachusetts: Support for LGBTQ+ families

Native American Families

Tribal resources: Some Massachusetts tribes may have specific assistance programs:

  • Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
  • Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)
  • Nipmuc Nation

Federal programs:

  • Indian Health Service healthcare (if available)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs assistance programs
  • Tribal TANF programs (where available)

Note: Contact your specific tribal government for available programs and eligibility requirements.

Rural Massachusetts Families

Additional challenges in rural areas:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices
  • Limited internet access for online applications

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile WIC services in some areas
  • Transportation assistance through local Community Action Programs
  • Telehealth appointments covered by MassHealth
  • Regional transportation authorities provide limited public transit

Resources by Region

Greater Boston Area

Housing Authorities:

  • Boston Housing Authority: (617) 988-4200
  • Cambridge Housing Authority: (617) 661-8740
  • Metro Housing Boston: (617) 425-6700

Food Resources:

  • Greater Boston Food Bank: (617) 427-5200
  • Project Bread FoodSource Hotline: (800) 645-8333

Legal Aid:

  • Greater Boston Legal Services: (617) 371-1234
  • Volunteer Lawyers Project: (617) 603-1700

Central Massachusetts

Community Action:

  • Southbridge Community Connections: (508) 765-3332
  • Worcester Community Action Council: (508) 754-1176

Education:

  • Quinsigamond Community College: Financial aid (508) 854-4261
  • Worcester State University: (508) 929-8056

Western Massachusetts

Community Resources:

  • Community Action Pioneer Valley: (413) 538-9020
  • Berkshire Community Action Council: (413) 445-4503

Food Assistance:

  • Food Bank of Western Massachusetts: (413) 247-9738
  • Farmers markets with SNAP/WIC: Multiple locations

South Shore/Cape Cod

Housing:

  • South Shore Housing: (781) 340-1855
  • Dukes County Regional Housing Authority: (508) 693-3434

Support Services:

  • Father Bill’s & MainSpring: (508) 674-0543
  • Cape Cod Community Action: (508) 771-6507

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most programs allow working families to qualify. SNAP allows families earning up to $4,307/month (family of 3), MassHealth covers families earning up to $3,064/month, and many other programs have generous income limits for working families.

Q: What if I’m denied for a program? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Contact Massachusetts Legal Services at (617) 371-1234 for free help with appeals. Common reasons for denial include missing documents or income calculation errors.

Q: Do I have to pay benefits back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment: SNAP, MassHealth, WIC, and educational grants never need to be repaid. However, if you don’t report income changes and receive too much assistance, you may need to repay the overpayment.

Q: How long does it take to get approved? A: Processing times vary: Emergency SNAP (1-7 days), regular SNAP (up to 30 days), TAFDC (up to 30 days), MassHealth (usually under 30 days), childcare assistance (30-45 days), and housing vouchers (currently have closed waiting lists).

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! DTA Connect allows you to apply for SNAP, TAFDC, and MassHealth with one application. You can also separately apply for childcare assistance, WIC, housing programs, and educational grants.

Q: What if I don’t speak English well? A: All state programs provide free interpreters. DTA Connect is available in multiple languages, and you can request an interpreter when calling or visiting offices. Spanish-speaking assistance is available at most programs.

Q: What if I have a disability? A: All programs provide accommodations for people with disabilities, including sign language interpreters, accessible locations, alternative document formats, and extended time for appointments. Contact the program’s disability coordinator for help.

Q: Can undocumented immigrants get help? A: Some programs are available regardless of immigration status: Emergency Medicaid for emergency medical care, WIC in some areas, food banks and emergency assistance from nonprofits. Call 2-1-1 for guidance on available resources.

Q: What if I live in rural Massachusetts? A: Rural residents face challenges but have options: Mobile WIC services, telehealth through MassHealth, regional transportation, and programs specifically designed to serve rural areas. 2-1-1 is especially important for finding local resources.

Q: How do I get help filling out applications? A: Free application assistance is available through DTA offices, community health centers, legal aid organizations, and Community Action Programs. Many organizations have staff specifically trained to help with benefit applications.

Q: What documents do I need? A: Common documents include: Photo ID, Social Security cards for all family members, proof of income (pay stubs, unemployment), proof of address, rent receipts, bank statements, and children’s birth certificates. Each program has specific requirements.

Important Phone Numbers and Resources

Statewide Numbers

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7)
  • DTA Customer Service: 1-877-382-2363
  • MassHealth Customer Service: 1-800-841-2900
  • WIC Program: (800) 942-1007
  • Child Support Enforcement: (800) 332-2733

Emergency Numbers

  • Emergency: 911
  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-785-2020
  • Suicide Prevention: 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Legal Help

  • Massachusetts Legal Services: (617) 371-1234
  • Greater Boston Legal Services: (617) 371-1234
  • Legal Aid Western Massachusetts: (413) 781-7814

Food Assistance

  • Project Bread FoodSource Hotline: (800) 645-8333
  • Greater Boston Food Bank: (617) 427-5200
  • Food Bank of Western Massachusetts: (413) 247-9738

Housing Help

  • Mass 2-1-1: 2-1-1 (housing referrals)
  • HomeBase Program: Contact local provider
  • Landlord/Tenant Issues: Contact local legal aid

Education and Job Training

  • MassHire Career Centers: (877) 872-4663
  • Office of Student Financial Assistance: (617) 391-6070
  • Adult Basic Education: Contact local community college

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Massachusetts guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, USDA, HHS, and Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to ensure accuracy.

and Massachusetts Department of Higher Education sources. Last verified: August 2025.*

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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