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Legal Help for Single Mothers in Massachusetts

Legal Help for Single Mothers in Massachusetts

Last updated: September 2025

This guide gives you practical, step‑by‑step legal help and money‑saving actions specific to Massachusetts. You’ll find fast contacts, realistic timelines, what documents to gather, and Plan B options when things stall. Every program, department, or organization named below is linked right where you see it, so you can click and go.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

How to Stop a Utility Shutoff in Massachusetts Today

Start with the fastest steps first. Tell your company you qualify for protections and file the right forms the same day.

  • Claim shutoff protections immediately: explain you have a serious illness, an infant under 12 months, are age‑65 with a minor in the home, or need service for heat during winter (Nov 15–Mar 15). These protections are in 220 CMR 25.03 and the AGO’s guidance “When am I protected from shut off?”. Ask the utility to note your claim by phone, then send the medical or birth documentation within seven days if required. (law.cornell.edu)
  • Activate bill help right now: apply for LIHEAP (home energy assistance) and ask the company to tag your account as “LIHEAP pending.” For National Grid, request the Arrears Management Program (AMP), which forgives arrears as you make on‑time budget payments; ask Eversource about similar income‑eligible payment plans and medical protections through its assistance pages. (mass.gov)
  • Escalate if the lights or heat are still off: call the DPU Consumer Division at 1-877-886-5066 and file a complaint; keep a log of call dates, names, and promised actions. If you need food money while you wait, call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333; if you need legal backup, contact Massachusetts Legal Help to locate advocates familiar with utility law. (mass.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your clinician for an urgent “serious illness” letter per 220 CMR 25.03, then re‑contact the utility and DPU. Apply for LIHEAP online and call the Heat Line 1-800-632-8175 to confirm your appointment. For eviction‑linked utility arrears, apply for RAFT (up to $7,000 per 12 months). (mass.gov)

Your Fastest Legal Help Paths (Family, Housing, Benefits)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask the clerk about local “Lawyer for the Day” dates, and request Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) referrals through the Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service; if a fee blocks filing, submit the Affidavit of Indigency (fee waiver). (mass.gov)

Key Money, Safety, and Benefits Programs for Single Moms (Massachusetts‑Specific)

SNAP (grocery money) and TAFDC (cash aid)

  • Most important action: apply today using DTA Connect or call 1-877-382-2363. Ask for “expedited SNAP” if you have very low cash on hand. For TAFDC, DTA must decide within 30 days and will split payments twice per month. (mass.gov)
  • Eligibility and amounts: USDA’s FY2025 SNAP max for a family of four is 975/month;1−person975/month; 1-person 292; each additional member +220,effectiveOct1,2024–Sep30,2025.TAFDCmonthlypaymentstandards(asofApril2025)rangefrom220, effective Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025. TAFDC monthly payment standards (as of April 2025) range from 1,003 for a 4‑person family in public/subsidized housing to 1,043inprivatehousing;aone‑time1,043 in private housing; a one‑time 500 per child clothing allowance is paid in late Aug/Sept 2025. (fns.usda.gov)
  • How to apply & documents: IDs, proof of Massachusetts residency, income, rent, child expenses, and child support orders. Submit documents through the DTA Connect app or DTA’s document center. For food help during a pending SNAP decision, call Project Bread at 1-800-645-8333. (mass.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: call the DTA Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363, ask for a supervisor callback, and contact a benefits advocate via GBLS benefits unit or Massachusetts Legal Help if delayed beyond the standard window (7 days expedited; up to 30 days regular). (mass.gov)

WIC (pregnant/postpartum and kids under 5)

  • Most important action: enroll online or by phone via Massachusetts WIC and ask about current fruit‑and‑vegetable “CVB” amounts, which were raised by USDA in 2024 rulemaking; confirm your clinic’s timeline and pickup instructions before your appointment. For food access support, call Project Bread. (projectbread.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask the local WIC office for a same‑week slot, request interpreter services, and call MassHealth Customer Service to check if your health plan offers care management for pregnant members.

MassHealth and ConnectorCare (health coverage)

  • Most important action: if you lost MassHealth in an eligibility review, call Health Care For All’s HelpLine at 1-800-272-4232 for live enrollment help. If you’re over MassHealth limits, you may qualify for subsidized ConnectorCare coverage (expanded up to 500% FPL for 2024–2026). (hcfama.org)
  • Key income standards: MassHealth uses 2025 FPL limits effective March 1, 2025; the Health Connector uses 2024 FPL for plan year 2025. Check the current MassHealth Income Standards and ConnectorCare guidance on the Health Connector site before you apply. (mass.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask for reasonable accommodations via the MassHealth Disability Accommodation Ombudsman at 1-617-847-3468 or MassRelay 711, and request an appeal or a plan change deadline extension if your notice arrived late. (mass.gov)

Child Care Financial Assistance (EEC)

  • Most important action: get on the waitlist by calling Mass 211 at 2-1-1 (ext. 23) and connect with your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) to confirm eligibility and priority. EEC raised income eligibility to 85% of state median income in 2025; families in crisis (DV, homelessness) often get priority. (mass.gov)
  • Required documents: ID, proof of Massachusetts residency, proof of income, proof of service need (work, school, training), and custody paperwork if applicable. See While Getting Child Care Financial Assistance for income thresholds and fee notes. (mass.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your CCR&R about “provisional” care while you finalize paperwork and whether a DTA or DCF referral could bypass waitlist delays.

Housing Help: RAFT, HomeBASE, and EA shelter

  • Most important action: apply for RAFT (emergency rent/utility help)—Massachusetts budgets up to 7,000per12monthsperhousehold(fundingandrulescanchange;alwaysconfirm)andusesRegionalAdministeringAgenciesyoucanlookupviathe∗[FindYourRAAtool](https://www.mass.gov/info−details/find−your−raft−regional−administering−agency)∗.ForfamiliesalreadyEA‑eligibleorinshelter,∗[HomeBASE](https://www.mass.gov/info−details/homebase)∗cancovermove‑incostsandtime‑limitedrentalhelp(currentlydescribedupto7,000 per 12 months per household (funding and rules can change; always confirm) and uses Regional Administering Agencies you can look up via the *[Find Your RAA tool](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-your-raft-regional-administering-agency)*. For families already EA‑eligible or in shelter, *[HomeBASE](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/homebase)* can cover move‑in costs and time‑limited rental help (currently described up to 30,000 over 24 months; increases to yearly stipends have been proposed). (mass.gov)
  • EA shelter process & wait: apply online or via 1-866-584-0653; expect document checks (115% FPL income screen, CORI verification) and possible placement onto a contact list with “Rapid Shelter” or “Bridge Shelter” tracks. Respond quickly if contacted (you typically have until noon the next business day). Ask about safety‑risk sites if you meet priority criteria. (mass.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: keep calling the EA line, ask to speak to a supervisor if you cannot file the same day, and contact a housing attorney through GBLS or Community Legal Aid; apply for RAFT in parallel to pause an eviction case under current Housing Court practices for pending applications. (gbls.org)

Unemployment and Paid Family & Medical Leave

  • Unemployment Insurance (UI): apply online through Unemployment Services for Workers or by TeleClaim 1-877-626-6800 (M–Th 8:30–4:30). After applying, file weekly claims right away; DUA moved to a new portal in May 2025. (mass.gov)
  • PFML (state paid leave): if pregnancy, bonding, or medical issues stop you from working, apply through PaidLeave.Mass.gov; call DFML at 1-833-344-7365 with questions, and ask your employer for the mandatory PFML notice. (mass.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: request a UI callback via the DUA Call Center and speak to DFML if your claim pauses due to missing medical forms; ask DFML about extension or intermittent leave reporting (857-972-9256). (mass.gov)

Child Support, Custody, and Safety

Child Support (set, enforce, or modify)

  • Most important action: open a case with DOR Child Support Services online or by calling 1-800-332-2733 (Boston area 1-617-660-1234). Use the Case Manager portal to view payments and request changes. (mass.gov)
  • Enforcement tools: DOR can withhold wages, intercept tax refunds, and suspend licenses; ask DOR about virtual hearings and their Virtual Counter for Zoom assistance. (mass.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: if your order no longer fits your situation, ask DOR how to request a modification and check Probate & Family Court’s child support forms, including the Guidelines Worksheet and financial statements. (mass.gov)

Custody and Parenting Time (unmarried or separated)

  • Most important action: file in Probate & Family Court. For unmarried parents, use the Complaint for Custody‑Support‑Parenting Time; for new parentage actions (including de facto or assisted reproduction), updated forms took effect Jan 1, 2025. The Court Service Centers can help you assemble forms. (mass.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: request a local Lawyer for the Day, consider Limited Assistance Representation through the Massachusetts Bar Association, and seek language access or disability accommodations via your courthouse.

Domestic Violence and Harassment Orders

  • Most important action: for a 209A abuse prevention order, follow the step‑by‑step from the Trial Court or the plain‑language guide at Massachusetts Legal Help; call or go to your local court during business hours, or go to the police after hours. SafeLink 1-877-785-2020 can help with safety planning. (mass.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: contact Jane Doe Inc. for a local program advocate, and use the Court’s Protection Order Process page to understand appeals or renewals.

Quick Reference Tables

Table 1 — Core Benefits Snapshot (verify amounts before applying)

Program Who it helps Typical amount/limit Where to apply
SNAP groceries Low‑income households FY2025 max: 292(1person)to292 (1 person) to 1,756 (8 people); +$220 each add’l; effective 10/01/2024–09/30/2025 USDA SNAP FY2025; apply through DTA Connect. (fns.usda.gov)
TAFDC cash Pregnant individuals and families with kids Apr 2025 payment standards (example): 4‑person 1,003–1,003–1,043; Sept clothing allowance $500/child (2025) TAFDC Application and MLRI updates. (mass.gov)
RAFT Rent/utility crisis Up to $7,000 per 12 months (subject to funding) Apply for RAFT. (mass.gov)
LIHEAP heat Energy bills FY2025: heating benefits typically 200–200–600; crisis up to $600; 60% SMI income limit LIHEAP MA; Clearinghouse profile. (mass.gov)
ConnectorCare Health insurance Subsidized plans; eligibility expanded to 500% FPL (pilot through 2026) Health Connector; Press updates. (betterhealthconnector.com)

Table 2 — Courts and Legal Help by Need

Need Where to start Helpful contacts
Custody/Support/209A Trial Court Help Line; Virtual Court Service Center 1-833-91‑COURT; Zoom ID on VC Service Center page; fee waivers via Affidavit of Indigency. (mass.gov)
Evictions Housing Court Resources; Lawyer for the Day Ask about pending‑RAFT continuances; local LFD hours (e.g., Central or Southeast Housing Court). (mass.gov)
Benefits/Appeals GBLS; Community Legal Aid Phone intakes and online applications listed on each site. (gbls.org)

Table 3 — State Hotlines You’ll Use Often

Topic Hotline Link
Shelter/EA 1-866-584-0653 EOHLC EA Shelter. (mass.gov)
DTA (SNAP/TAFDC) 1-877-382-2363 How to Contact DTA. (mass.gov)
PFML 1-833-344-7365 DFML. (mass.gov)
Child Support 1-800-332-2733 DOR Child Support. (mass.gov)
SafeLink DV 1-877-785-2020 SafeLink. (mass.gov)
Mass 211 2‑1‑1 / 1-877-211-6277 Mass 211. (mass211.org)

Table 4 — Housing Timelines (typical)

Situation Realistic timeline Notes
RAFT application 10–15 business days in non‑crisis periods; longer when volume is high Check status with your RAA; be ready to upload a lease, arrears ledger, and notice to quit if applicable. Find Your RAA. (mass.gov)
EA Shelter Same day intake; contact list wait varies by track and priority Respond by noon next business day when offered a spot, or you may lose that offer. EA Contact List Info. (mass.gov)
Housing Court eviction First‑tier event 30–60 days from entry; second‑tier trial/mediation after Ask for a continuance if RAFT is pending for nonpayment. Housing Court FAQ. (mass.gov)

Table 5 — Quick Legal Forms and Where to File

Issue Form(s) Where
Child support Guidelines Worksheet; Financial Statements Probate & Family Court forms; file in your county Probate & Family Court. (mass.gov)
Unmarried parent custody Complaint for Custody‑Support‑Parenting Time Forms for Parentage/Custody (unmarried). (mass.gov)
Restraining order 209A package Request an abuse prevention order; police can help after hours. (mass.gov)

Reality Check

  • Funding shifts happen: RAFT, HomeBASE, and LIHEAP rules and amounts change with budgets and demand. Always confirm current caps and timelines before you count on a dollar figure. Start with EOHLC housing programs and LIHEAP Clearinghouse updates. (mass.gov)
  • Shelter capacity and waitlists: Massachusetts uses shelter “tracks” and a contact list; you must stay in touch and respond fast to placement calls. Keep your voicemail inbox clear and email checked daily. See EA Contact List details. (mass.gov)
  • Utilities still bill during moratorium: winter shutoff protection prevents termination, not billing. Arrange a payment plan or Arrears Management or you’ll face a shutoff in spring. (nationalgridus.com)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Application Checklist (print/screenshot‑friendly)

  • Photo ID and proof of Massachusetts address — driver’s license or other government ID; utility bill or lease. For court e‑filing, save PDFs.
  • Income proof — pay stubs, unemployment letter, child support order, or DTA/SSDI benefits letters; for SNAP, include rent and child care costs. Use DTA Connect to upload. (mass.gov)
  • Child documents — birth certificates, school letters, child support orders, custody orders; for 209A include incident dates and any photos/messages. See Probate & Family Court forms and 209A application. (mass.gov)
  • Housing papers — lease, notice to quit, court summons, arrears ledger; if applying for RAFT, add landlord’s W‑9 and payment info. (mass.gov)
  • Medical/utility docs — doctor letter for serious illness (utility protection), bill with account number, and LIHEAP confirmation. (mass.gov)

Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

  • SNAP/TAFDC denial: request a fair hearing by the deadline on your notice; upload missing documents in DTA Connect; call GBLS or Community Legal Aid for appeal help. (mass.gov)
  • RAFT denial or delay: email your RAA (find it via Find Your RAA) and upload any missing landlord docs; if eviction is pending, ask Housing Court to continue the case while RAFT is processed. (mass.gov)
  • EA shelter denial: ask for supervisor review; if you can’t file same day, it’s okay to say you have no place to sleep tonight and need a same‑day decision; contact an advocate using Massachusetts Legal Help’s EA guides. (masslegalhelp.org)

Diverse Communities and Inclusive Services

Resources by Region (Examples)

Tip: For RAFT help by county, use the Find Your RAA tool. (mass.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (Issue → First Step → Backup)

Issue First step Plan B
No heat / shutoff notice Call utility, claim protection; apply LIHEAP File DPU complaint; apply RAFT for arrears. (mass.gov)
Eviction filed Answer and attend first‑tier; seek Lawyer for the Day Ask for continuance if RAFT pending. (mass.gov)
Need custody/support order File Probate & Family forms Court Service Center Zoom; LAR via Bar Association. (mass.gov)
Food/cash same week Apply via DTA Connect Call Project Bread 1‑800‑645‑8333. (projectbread.org)

Local Organizations, Charities, and Support

County‑Level Variations to Note

  • Legal aid coverage areas differ: GBLS covers Greater Boston; CLA covers Central/Western; NLA serves the Northeast; SCCLS covers the South Coast/Cape & Islands; MWLS serves MetroWest. Use Legal Resource Finder to see which office covers your town. (masslegalhelp.org)
  • Housing Court divisions schedule Lawyer‑for‑the‑Day on different days: check your division page under Housing Court Resources for dates in Worcester, Springfield, Lawrence, or New Bedford. (mass.gov)

FAQs (Massachusetts‑Specific)

  1. How fast can I get SNAP in an emergency?
    If your income and cash on hand are very low, ask DTA for “expedited SNAP”; decisions can be within 7 days. Apply via DTA Connect or call 1-877-382-2363. (mass.gov)
  2. What’s the 2025 clothing allowance for TAFDC?
    The 2025 allowance is $500 per eligible child, paid in late Aug/Sept; families approved in September still receive it. See Massachusetts Legal Help’s update. (masslegalhelp.org)
  3. How much SNAP can a family of four receive?
    The FY2025 maximum is $975/month in the 48 states (Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025), per USDA. (fns.usda.gov)
  4. Where do I apply for emergency shelter?
    Apply online or call 1-866-584-0653; see EA Family Shelter for eligibility. If on a contact list, watch for placement calls and respond by noon next business day. (mass.gov)
  5. Can Housing Court pause my eviction if I’ve applied for RAFT?
    In nonpayment cases with a pending assistance application, courts can continue the case; ask at your first‑tier event. See Housing Court Resources. (mass.gov)
  6. How do I get child support started if I never married my child’s other parent?
    Open a case with DOR Child Support Services and, if needed, file the Probate Court Complaint for Custody‑Support‑Parenting Time. (mass.gov)
  7. How do I stop a winter shutoff?
    Claim financial hardship and the winter moratorium protection (Nov 15–Mar 15), then file LIHEAP; see AGO utility protections and 220 CMR 25.03. (mass.gov)
  8. Who helps if an employer refuses to pay me or retaliates?
    File a complaint with the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division at 1-617-727-3465 and contact MCAD if discrimination is involved. (mass.gov)
  9. Is there free help choosing a health plan?
    Yes—call Health Care For All’s HelpLine at 1-800-272-4232; for ConnectorCare questions, check Health Connector. (hcfama.org)
  10. I’m a veteran—are there legal services just for me?
    Yes—Veterans Legal Services (1‑857‑317‑4474) and your local VSO via EOVS can help with civil matters and state benefits. (veteranslegalservices.org)

“What to do if this doesn’t work” — Extra Plan B Options

  • Call 211 for a live navigator: Mass 211 can route you to housing, food, mental health, and child care assistance 24/7; ask for multilingual help. (mass211.org)
  • Use court “Lawyer for the Day” even if legal aid is full: check schedules under Housing Court Resources and Probate & Family Court pages. (mass.gov)
  • Escalate shelter or benefits barriers: request a supervisor, document calls, and ask a legal aid unit to email/fax supporting memos; see Massachusetts Legal Help for template letters.

Spanish Summary (resumen en español)

Este es un resumen breve con los pasos más críticos. Esta traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA; verifique detalles en inglés en los enlaces oficiales.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Final Notes and Tips

  • Bold reminder: Keep copies of every notice, upload receipts to your RAFT/EA portals, and log every call with date, time, and agent name. Use Mass 211 to locate in‑person help near you, and ask every agency about interpreter services and accessible formats (large print, Braille, or TTY via MassRelay 711). (mass211.org)
  • When in doubt, apply: benefits like SNAP and TAFDC have rules that may cover working parents or those with fluctuating hours—let the agency make the call, and appeal if needed. (fns.usda.gov)
  • Use specialized advocates: for discrimination at work, file with MCAD; for wage issues, contact the AGO Fair Labor Division. For LGBTQ+ family law questions, message GLAD Answers. (mass.gov)

If you need help choosing where to start, call 2‑1‑1, then ask to be connected to your nearest RAFT agency, a legal aid intake line, or the Court Service Center Zoom. Mass 211 is free, 24/7, multilingual, and can save you hours of searching. Mass 211. (mass211.org)

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