Updated 2026 Verified Public ProgramsMassachusetts + Fall River Focus

We Exist to Connect You to Help

Free food, rent help, jobs, healthcare, legal aid, and financial resources in Massachusetts & Fall River. 72 verified resources across 10 categories.

Need help right now? Call 211 for immediate referrals, or 911 for emergencies.

Money You May Be Owed

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MissingMoney.com

Search for unclaimed bank accounts, refunds, insurance checks, and forgotten funds.

Eligible: Anyone in the U.S. with prior financial activity

How to apply: Search name and file claim online

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Massachusetts Unclaimed Property

Official state database for unclaimed funds held by the state treasury.

Eligible: Past or current Massachusetts residents

How to apply: Search and submit claim online

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IRS Free File / Direct File

Free federal tax filing system for eligible taxpayers.

Eligible: Income-based eligibility varies yearly

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VITA Free Tax Prep

IRS-certified volunteers provide free tax filing.

Eligible: Low-to-moderate income households

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Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Federal tax credit worth up to $7,430 for working families. Many eligible people never claim it.

Eligible: Working individuals and families with low to moderate income

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MA State Tax Credits

Massachusetts offers credits for renters ($3,000 deduction), commuters, septic repairs, and low-income housing.

Eligible: Varies by credit type

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Food Assistance

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SNAP Benefits

Monthly grocery assistance for eligible households. Average MA benefit is $234/month per person.

How to apply: Mass DTA portal

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WIC Program

Nutrition support for pregnant women, infants, and children under 5.

Eligible: Income + nutritional risk

How to apply: Local clinic or health department

Feeding America Food Banks

Find local Fall River food pantries and distribution centers.

Visit site

Meals on Wheels

Home-delivered meals for seniors and disabled residents.

Eligible: Age 60+ or disabled

How to apply: Contact local Council on Aging

Salvation Army Fall River

Food pantry and meal programs at 290 Bedford St.

Call (508) 679-7900

Catholic Social Services

Emergency food and clothing assistance at 1600 Bay St, Fall River.

Call (508) 674-4681

USDA Summer Food Service

Free meals for children 18 and under during summer months at community sites.

Eligible: All children under 18 — no application needed

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

USDA commodity foods distributed through local food banks.

Eligible: Income-based

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Housing & Rent Help

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RAFT Emergency Rental Assistance

Up to $4,000/year for rent arrears, first/last/security, and utility arrears.

How to apply: Call 1-800-224-5124

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LIHEAP Heating Assistance

$200–$600 for heating bills, November through September.

How to apply: Call 1-800-632-8175

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Fall River Housing Authority

Public housing and Section 8 vouchers. 85 Morgan St.

Call (508) 675-3500

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HUD Housing Counseling

Free foreclosure prevention and housing advice from certified counselors.

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HomeBASE

Up to $30,000 over 2 years for families eligible for Emergency Assistance shelter.

Eligible: Families with children or pregnant women

How to apply: Call (866) 584-0653

Weatherization Assistance Program

Up to $18,500 in free energy improvements — insulation, windows, heating systems.

Eligible: Income-based

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Citizens for Citizens (CFC)

RAFT applications, fuel assistance, Head Start. 264 Griffin St, Fall River.

Call (508) 675-2157

Housing Solutions for Southeastern MA

Housing Consumer Education Center for RAFT and HomeBASE applications.

Call (800) 224-5124

Emergency Assistance (EA) Shelter

Emergency family shelter for families with children or pregnant women.

Eligible: Families with pregnant woman or child under 21

Call (866) 584-0653

First Step Inn

Primary shelter for single adults in Fall River. 175 Durfee St, 18+, 20 permanent beds.

Call (508) 679-8001

Jobs & Training

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MassHire Career Centers

Free job placement, training, resume help, and interview coaching.

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MassHire Bristol County

Local career center at 446 North Main St, Fall River. Walk-ins welcome.

Call (508) 730-5000

Job Corps

Free education and vocational training with housing for ages 16–24.

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AmeriCorps

Paid public service programs with training and education awards.

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SCORE Mentors

Free small business mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs.

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JobQuest (Mass)

State job search database with thousands of Massachusetts openings.

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Felon-Friendly Employer Directory

33+ employers in Fall River area known to hire individuals with felony convictions.

View on this site

WOTC Tax Credit

Employers can receive up to $2,400 per eligible hire — mention this when applying.

Eligible: Justice-involved individuals, veterans, SNAP recipients, and more

Healthcare & Mental Health

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MassHealth (Medicaid)

Free or low-cost healthcare coverage for eligible Massachusetts residents.

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Health Safety Net

Pays for essential health services for uninsured or underinsured MA residents.

Eligible: Income at or below 300% FPL

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FQHC Community Health Clinics

Sliding-scale or free community health clinics. No one turned away for inability to pay.

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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

24/7 mental health crisis support by phone, chat, or text.

Dial or text 988

SAMHSA Helpline

Free 24/7 referrals for substance abuse and mental health treatment.

Call 1-800-662-4357

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NeedyMeds

Database of patient assistance programs, free/low-cost clinics, and discount drug cards.

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Good Days / PAN Foundation

Copay and premium assistance for people with chronic or life-altering diseases.

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MA Behavioral Health Helpline

Free referrals to mental health and substance abuse treatment. Available 24/7.

Call 833-773-2445

Family Programs

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Head Start / Early Head Start

Free early childhood education for low-income families. Includes meals, health screenings, and parent support.

Eligible: Families at or below federal poverty level

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Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)

Subsidized child care for working families. Can cover most or all of child care costs.

Eligible: Income-based

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TAFDC (Transitional Aid)

Cash assistance for families with dependent children while working toward self-sufficiency.

Eligible: Families with children under 18

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WIC (Nutrition)

Free healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women and children under 5.

Eligible: Income + nutritional risk

MassHealth for Children (CHIP)

Free health insurance for children in families with income too high for Medicaid but who cannot afford private insurance.

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Diaper Bank Programs

Free diapers distributed through local nonprofits. Diapers are not covered by SNAP or WIC.

How to apply: Contact local family resource centers

Senior Resources

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Council on Aging (Fall River)

Information, referrals, and programs for seniors 60+. Includes transportation and social activities.

Call (508) 324-2700

Medicare Savings Programs

MA programs that pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays for eligible seniors.

Eligible: Income-based

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SHINE (Medicare Counseling)

Free, unbiased Medicare counseling to help seniors choose the right plan and save money.

Call 1-800-243-4636

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Prescription Advantage

MA prescription drug program that supplements Medicare Part D for seniors 65+.

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Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit

MA tax credit of up to $2,590 for seniors 65+ who own or rent and pay high property taxes relative to income.

Eligible: Age 65+, income limits apply

Meals on Wheels

Home-delivered meals for homebound seniors. No cost, but donations accepted.

Eligible: Age 60+

How to apply: Contact local Council on Aging

Veterans

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VA Health Care

Comprehensive healthcare for eligible veterans at VA medical centers and clinics.

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VA Benefits Hotline

General information about all VA benefits and programs.

Call 1-800-827-1000

Veterans' Services (Fall River)

Local veterans' agent assists with benefits, emergency aid, and referrals.

Contact Fall River City Hall

HUD-VASH

Housing vouchers combined with VA case management for homeless veterans.

Eligible: Homeless veterans

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Veterans Crisis Line

24/7 crisis support for veterans and their families.

Dial 988, then press 1

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

Rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention for veteran families.

Visit site

Hidden Benefits Most People Don't Use

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AnnualCreditReport.com

Free weekly credit reports from all 3 bureaus. Check yours — errors that hurt your score are common.

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Library Card Benefits

Your Fall River library card gets you free ebooks, audiobooks (Libby/Hoopla), streaming, job tools, museum passes, and more.

USPS Free Shipping Supplies

Free Priority Mail boxes and envelopes shipped to your door (postage not included).

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Every Kid Outdoors

Free national park access pass for 4th graders and their families for a full year.

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FCC Affordable Connectivity (Lifeline)

Discount on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households.

Eligible: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or income-based

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Free Museum Days

Many MA museums offer free admission days. MFA Boston is free on certain evenings. Check individual museum websites.

GoodRx

Free prescription discount card that can save 80% at pharmacies. No insurance needed.

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211 Massachusetts

Dial 2-1-1 for free, confidential referrals to local resources — housing, food, health, childcare, and more.

Dial 2-1-1

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get help fast in Fall River?

Start with 211 Massachusetts (dial 2-1-1), SNAP for food, RAFT for rent, and Citizens for Citizens at (508) 675-2157 for fuel and emergency assistance.

Is there free rent assistance in Massachusetts?

Yes. RAFT provides up to $4,000/year for rent and utility arrears. HomeBASE provides up to $30,000 over 2 years for eligible families. Call 1-800-224-5124 to apply.

Where can I get free food in Fall River?

SNAP benefits, Salvation Army food pantry (290 Bedford St), Catholic Social Services (1600 Bay St), and Feeding America partner locations all provide food assistance.

How do I find unclaimed money in Massachusetts?

Use MissingMoney.com for a national search and FindMassMoney.gov for the official Massachusetts database. Search your name — it takes 30 seconds.