Financial Help
Financial Help
Financial Help for Women Who Are Seniors
- SWAN: Financial Assistance for Single, Widowed, or Divorced Women 65+ – This is the application form for assistance; it is a one-time grant, not intended for ongoing expenses. The goal is to help women in this category remain independent in their own living space.
- Sara Devens Trust: Financial Grants to Single Women 73+ – This grant, established in 1877, is for women who are single, divorced, or widowed, with a low-income and financial need. One-time grant amounts range from $300-$2,500. Includes application instructions.
Financial Help for Children & Families
- B+ Foundation – Financial Support for Kids with Cancer – Provides families with help paying expenses attributable to their child’s cancer diagnosis, such as prescription medications that insurance won’t cover, travel costs for treatments, mortgage/rent payments, etc.
- Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) – Financial relief for those caring for youth under 22 with large medical and related expenses.
- Mass.gov Cash Benefits for Families – Provides information on eligibility and applying for cash benefits for families with extremely low incomes.
- Mass.gov Child Support Enforcement – Provides information on how to apply for child support, how to pay it, and various other aspects of the program
Financial Aid for Individuals Who Are Seniors, Have a Low Income, &/or Have Disabilities
- Social Security Disability Info and Application – A description of benefits and the application process, as well a link to the application itself.
- Nearest Social Security Administration Office For Sudbury residents: 135 Beaver Street, Waltham, Suite 120. (800) 772-1213. Call to make an appointment to reduce wait time for your visit, but walk-in is also an option. Use the Social Security Office Locator here.
- Low Interest Home Modification Loans for Individuals Who Are Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities – Provides a description of the program, eligibility requirements, & a link to the application itself.
- Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) – A state program that provides cash assistance to adults with disabilities, caretakers, people over 65 waiting to get SSI (cannot receive both at one time), and people participating in the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Program.
- Free Tax Prep for Individuals with a Low Income – Program offers free tax preparation for individuals who make less than $60,000 per year.
- Funeral & Burial Payment Assistance – Application for up to $1,100 of burial costs for those who meet eligibility.
- Affordable Connectivity Program – $30 per month toward internet services for families with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, or if you are receiving federal assistance, including SNAP, free school lunches, Mass Health, and certain housing subsidies. It also provides up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Credit Counseling
- American Credit Counseling – Credit counseling is a process that is used to help people with debt settlement through education, budgeting and the use of a variety of tools with the goal to reduce and ultimately eliminate debt. 800-769-3571; info@consumercredit.com;
Other Financial Aid Resources
- HOPEsudbury – Provides short-term financial assistance to local individuals & families with emergent or unexpected financial need.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Provides emergency short-term financial assistance for essential needs, access to furniture, and referrals to other resources. Please call and speak with the secretary or leave a message, as they require an initial phone conversation before moving forward with next steps. Call Ascension Parish at (978) 443-2647 or Anselm Church Sudbury at (978) 443-8981.
- Gifts of Hope Unlimited – Provides survivors of domestic violence or intimate partner violence with confidential financial assistance to pay for rent, transportation & legal costs in an effort to establish a new home & care for children. Fill out a Gifts of Hope Unlimited application or contact Gifts of Hope Unlimited.
- Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) – Financial assistance to help homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Sudbury Mortgage Assistance Program – A mortgage relief program to Sudbury residents that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) – A state program to help with rent or other housing costs when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies.
- Interest-Free Loan Program through JFS – Residents of MetroWest can apply for interest-free loans ranging from $1,000-$10,000 for lifecycle events, challenging expenses, and small business costs.
- Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) – Apply for paid time off work for family or medical reasons.
- Metro Community Development Corporation (MCDC) – 1:1 coaching and creative financial problem-solving. People involved in their coaching program over time have the opportunity to access Axuda loans of up to $600 interest free to be repaid over 1 year. They also do taxes for free for people making under $60K. Call (508) 658-0880 or email info@strongcommunity.org to request services.
- South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) – An organization that provides advocacy, education, financial and referral services to individuals and families in need of assistance. Programs include: Residential Assistance to Families in Transition (RAFT) – Provides low-income families who are at risk of becoming homeless with one-time financial assistance. Fuel Assistance – Provides financial assistance to households that are most vulnerable to high home heating costs. Must meet income and eligibility requirements. Call (508) 872-4853.
- Unemployment Benefits – If you have lost your job or your hours have been significantly reduced, you may qualify for unemployment benefits.
- Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Fund -Victims of violent crime occurring in MA, including dependents and family members of homicide victims may be eligible for compensation to cover expenses due to the crime (ex: medical/dental/mental health bills, lost wages, crime scene clean up, etc.). Crimes must be reported to police within 5 days and must apply for compensation within 3 years of the crime.
- Visit our webpages on Transportation, Utilities Help, Housing, Hygiene Products, and Basic Needs for additional resources.