Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Massachusetts. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Massachusetts)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Massachusetts SHIP)
Massachusetts calls its program SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone), run through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. SHINE gives free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling, plan comparisons, and help with claims and enrollment. Reach your local SHINE office at 1-800-243-4636 (press 3), TTY 1-800-439-2370. Online: mass.gov and search "SHINE."
Medicaid in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Medicaid is called MassHealth. Apply online through the state portal, by mail, or by phone with the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 1-800-841-2900 (TTY 711), weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MassHealth can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify. Online: mass.gov/masshealth.
Prescription help
Massachusetts runs one of the most generous state drug programs in the country, Prescription Advantage, the state's pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP), overseen by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. It is open to residents 65 and older (and to younger residents with disabilities who meet work-hour rules), and it helps both Medicare and non-Medicare members. It can lower drug copays and fill gaps in Medicare Part D coverage. Apply online at prescriptionadvantagema.org, or call 1-800-243-4636 (press 3). Income brackets adjust annually, so apply even if you were over the limit before.
Energy and utility help
Massachusetts runs LIHEAP as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), also called Fuel Assistance. The season runs November 1 through April 30, and applications open October 1. Households up to 60 percent of state median income may qualify. Call the Heatline at 1-800-632-8175 to find the local agency that takes your application, or dial 211. The program is free, never pay a fee to apply.
Property tax relief (Massachusetts)
Massachusetts seniors have two main paths:
- Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit (state income tax credit under M.G.L. c. 62, sec. 6(k)): a refundable credit for homeowners and renters 65 and older whose property tax (or 25 percent of rent) exceeds 10 percent of income. For the 2025 tax year, the maximum credit is $2,820. Income limits for 2025 are $75,000 (single), $94,000 (head of household), and $112,000 (married filing jointly), and the home's assessed value must be $1,298,000 or less. Claim it on Schedule CB with your Massachusetts state return, even if you owe no tax. (Figures from Department of Revenue TIR 25-7.)
- Local senior exemptions (such as Clause 41A, 41B, 41C, and 41C 1/2): these are separate property-tax breaks granted by your city or town assessor, with age, income, and asset rules that vary locally. Ask your local assessor's office which senior exemptions your town offers and the filing deadline.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (mass.gov/elder-affairs) funds a network of Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Councils on Aging that handle home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and senior transportation in every community. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or by dialing 211. For free civil legal help, ask your ASAP or 211 for the legal aid office serving your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is Massachusetts's SHIP program? It is called SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone), run by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Free Medicare counseling at 1-800-243-4636.
Does Massachusetts offer senior property tax relief? Yes. The state Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit gives 65+ homeowners and renters a refundable credit up to $2,820 for 2025 (income limits $75,000 single, $94,000 head of household, $112,000 joint). Many cities and towns also offer local senior exemptions (Clause 41A/41C and others) through the local assessor.
How do Massachusetts seniors get help with prescription costs? Through Prescription Advantage, the state drug program for residents 65+. Apply at prescriptionadvantagema.org or call 1-800-243-4636.
How do Massachusetts seniors get help with heating bills? Through the Home Energy Assistance Program (Fuel Assistance). Call the Heatline at 1-800-632-8175 or dial 211 to find your local agency.
Sources
- Mass.gov, SHINE program: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/serving-the-health-insurance-needs-of-everyone-shine-program . Verified June 6, 2026.
- Mass.gov, Contact MassHealth: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/contact-masshealth-information-for-members . Verified June 6, 2026.
- Mass.gov, Prescription Advantage: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/prescription-advantage and https://www.prescriptionadvantagema.org/ . Verified June 6, 2026.
- Mass.gov, Learn about fuel assistance: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-fuel-assistance . Verified June 6, 2026.
- Mass.gov, Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit and TIR 25-7: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-senior-circuit-breaker-tax-credit and https://www.mass.gov/technical-information-release/tir-25-7-annual-update-of-real-estate-tax-credit-for-certain-persons-age-65-and-older . Verified June 6, 2026.