Grants for Seniors in Boston

Grants and Assistance for Seniors in Boston, Massachusetts: 2026 Authority Guide

Written & Reviewed by

Analic Mata-Murray

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Yolanda Taylor

Yolanda Taylor

Senior Healthcare Editor

Last updated:

If you need the web version of this guide with larger text or a printable PDF, call the City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission at (617) 635-4366 and ask a counselor to send it to you or walk you through the programs.

Emergency help (start here)

  • Call 911 for life‑threatening emergencies
  • Elder abuse or neglect: Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline (24/7): (800) 922-2275
  • Mental health crisis: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — dial 988
  • Immediate food, housing, or bill help: 211 Massachusetts — dial 2‑1‑1 or visit https://mass211.org
  • City of Boston non‑emergency services and shelter info: 311 — dial 3‑1‑1 (Boston only) or use https://www.boston.gov/311
  • Age Strong Commission (Boston’s aging services “front door”): (617) 635‑4366 — https://www.boston.gov/departments/age-strong
  • Domestic violence hotline: SafeLink (MA statewide, 24/7): (877) 785‑2020

Key takeaways

  • Boston has excellent programs for older adults, but many have waitlists. Apply early and to multiple programs.
  • Your best first call in Boston is the Age Strong Commission. They will check your eligibility and connect you to the right agency: (617) 635‑4366.
  • For rent and housing, apply to Boston Housing Authority public housing and vouchers, and also apply to statewide lists. Be ready for multi‑year waits.
  • For in‑home care and long‑term services, ask about the MassHealth Frail Elder Waiver and consider PACE or SCO plans if you have Medicare and MassHealth.
  • Don’t leave money on the table: the Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit (up to $1,200) is a yearly cash refund for many renters and homeowners age 65+.
  • Utilities: apply for LIHEAP (fuel assistance) through ABCD in Boston and ask your utility about shutoff protections and discounts.
  • Use SHINE counselors (free) to pick the right Medicare plan and coordinate with MassHealth: (800) 243‑4636.
  • Keep a folder with IDs, Social Security award letter, bank statements, and proof of address. You can reuse the same documents for multiple applications.

How Boston’s senior services are organized (who does what)

  • City of Boston Age Strong Commission (AAA/COA): Information, benefits counseling, senior centers, transportation, and referrals.
  • Boston’s three Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs): Assessments, in‑home services, care management, Meals on Wheels in many neighborhoods, and MassHealth long‑term services coordination.

Tip: If you’re not sure which ASAP covers your address, call Age Strong. They’ll route you.

Quick start: What to apply for first

Use this order to get the fastest help while you wait for longer programs.

Priority Program Why it matters Where to apply
1 Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit (up to $1,200) Real cash refund each year for many renters and homeowners 65+ Massachusetts Dept. of Revenue — see “Senior Circuit Breaker” at https://www.mass.gov/dor or call (617) 887‑6367
2 SNAP (food stamps) Fast decision; frees cash for rent/medicine; seniors get a simpler form Massachusetts DTA — apply at https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/ or call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (800) 645‑8333
3 LIHEAP (fuel/utility help) Cuts heat/electric bills; crisis help prevents shutoffs ABCD Fuel Assistance — https://bostonabcd.org/program/fuel-assistance/ or call (617) 357‑6012
4 MassHealth (Medicaid) Covers what Medicare doesn’t; gateway to in‑home care Apply at https://www.mass.gov/masshealth or call (800) 841‑2900
5 Frail Elder Waiver / In‑home services Personal care, homemaker, adult day health; avoid nursing home Call your ASAP via Age Strong (617) 635‑4366
6 Housing — BHA public housing & vouchers; state lists Rent set by income; long waitlists so apply now Boston Housing Authority — https://www.bostonhousing.org; MA Public Housing (CHAMP) — https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us

Reality check: Housing vouchers and senior housing in Boston often have multi‑year waits. Apply to multiple lists and keep your contact info updated every 6–12 months.

Financial help and tax relief

Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit (cash refund)

  • What it is: A Massachusetts refundable income tax credit for adults 65+ based on property tax or 25% of rent paid. Maximum credit is up to $1,200 for the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025).
  • Who may qualify: Massachusetts residents age 65+ with income under the annual limits and who paid property tax or rent.
  • Learn more or file: See “Senior Circuit Breaker Credit” at the Massachusetts Department of Revenue: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/senior-circuit-breaker-tax-credit or call DOR at (617) 887‑6367.

Note: You must file a MA tax return to receive this credit, even if you don’t owe income tax. Free filing help: AARP Tax‑Aide — https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/ and VITA — https://www.masscap.org/what-we-do/income-tax-assistance/

City of Boston property tax relief for seniors

  • Personal exemptions (like Clause 41C): Reduces your Boston property tax if you meet age, income, and residency rules.
  • Senior Tax Work‑Off: Some residents can reduce tax bills by volunteering in city departments.
  • Where to start: City of Boston Assessing Department’s Personal Exemptions page: https://www.boston.gov/departments/assessing/personal-exemptions or call 311 (or (617) 635‑4287 from outside Boston).

Tip: Apply for both the state Circuit Breaker and any Boston exemptions — they are separate programs.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security

  • SSI: Cash assistance for 65+ with low income/resources. In MA, SSI also triggers automatic MassHealth coverage. Apply at Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/ or call (800) 772‑1213.
  • Social Security: For retirement/survivors/disability. Manage benefits: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

Free legal help with benefits issues: Greater Boston Legal Services — https://www.gbls.org

Food and nutrition

SNAP (food stamps) — senior‑friendly

  • What it is: Monthly benefits on an EBT card. Seniors use a simplified application and may get 24‑month certification.
  • Apply online or by phone: DTAConnect — https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/ or call DTA Assistance Line (877) 382‑2363.
  • Help applying and checking eligibility: Project Bread FoodSource Hotline (multi‑language): (800) 645‑8333 — https://www.projectbread.org/get-help
  • Healthy Incentives Program (HIP): Extra money automatically added to your EBT when you buy fruits/vegetables from participating farm vendors. See HIP vendors: https://www.mass.gov/hip

Note: SNAP rules change yearly. Check current income and deduction rules on Mass.gov/DTA.

Meals on Wheels (home‑delivered meals)

  • Delivers hot meals and provides a regular check‑in.
  • In Boston, Meals on Wheels is coordinated through the ASAP network (Ethos, Boston Senior Home Care, Central Boston Elder Services).

Food pantries and CSFP “Senior Food Box”

Tip: Bring ID and a piece of mail with your address when visiting food programs.

Housing, rent, and homelessness prevention

Boston Housing Authority (BHA): Public housing and vouchers

  • Public housing for seniors/disabled and family housing; rent is based on income.
  • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher: You pay ~30% of income toward rent; voucher covers the rest up to a limit.
  • Apply and manage your application: https://www.bostonhousing.org

Reality check: Waitlists are long. Apply to BHA, and also apply to state‑aided public housing.

Massachusetts state public housing (CHAMP)

State rental vouchers (MRVP) and other help

Homelessness prevention and older adults

Home repairs, safety, and accessibility

City of Boston — Boston Home Center

  • Seniors Save (heating system replacement): Income‑eligible homeowners 60+ can replace failing boilers/furnaces.
  • Home repair and lead/water programs: Grants/loans for critical repairs and accessibility.
  • Start here: https://www.boston.gov/departments/boston-home-center or call 311.

Home Modification Loan Program (statewide)

Weatherization and energy efficiency

Note: Contractors can be busy; ask your ASAP or the Home Center for help screening reliable contractors. Never pay 100% upfront.

Healthcare, prescriptions, and long‑term care

MassHealth (Medicaid)

  • Covers seniors with low income and assets; works with Medicare to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.
  • Apply: https://www.mass.gov/masshealth or call (800) 841‑2900.

Frail Elder Waiver (in‑home care)

Reality check: Even after approval, services can have waitlists in Boston. Start early, and keep medical records handy.

Senior Care Options (SCO) and PACE

  • SCO: A health plan for people 65+ with both Medicare and MassHealth. Provides care coordination, transportation, and extra benefits. Info: https://www.mass.gov/senior-care-options-sco
  • PACE: Wrap‑around medical and social care for people who qualify for nursing home level care but want to live at home. Boston PACE providers include CCA PACE and others. Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/pace

Note: With PACE you use PACE doctors and services. It’s great for heavy care needs but means changing providers.

Prescription Advantage (state pharmacy help)

Medicare counseling (free)

  • SHINE counselors help compare Medicare plans, enroll, and solve billing issues: https://www.mass.gov/shine or call (800) 243‑4636.

Community health centers in Boston (sliding‑fee)

Utilities, phones, water bills, and shutoff protections

LIHEAP (fuel/energy assistance) — Boston

Good Neighbor Energy Fund (emergency help)

  • For households facing a one‑time energy crisis, including some who may not qualify for LIHEAP.
  • Learn more and apply: https://www.magoodneighbor.org

Shutoff protections and medical protections

  • Massachusetts has special rules protecting seniors and medically vulnerable households.
  • See utility consumer rights at the Department of Public Utilities: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-utilities (search “consumer protections” and “winter moratorium”).
  • Ask your doctor for a medical certificate if a serious illness would be aggravated by loss of service.

Water and sewer — Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC)

Phone and internet discounts

  • Lifeline (phone/internet discount) and the Affordable Connectivity successor programs are available for eligible households.
  • Check current options at: https://www.lifelinesupport.org

Transportation

MBTA Senior CharlieCard (half‑fare)

The RIDE (MBTA paratransit)

City of Boston Age Strong transportation

Tip: Book rides as early as possible. Keep your doctor’s address and appointment times ready when you call.

Dental, vision, and hearing

Low‑cost dental schools

Community health centers with dental

Donated Dental Services (complex care, long wait)

Vision and hearing

Work, money management, and legal help

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Free legal help (civil matters)

Scam warnings and consumer protection

Common red flags: pressure to “act now,” requests for gift card payments, and callers asking for your Medicare or Social Security numbers. Hang up and call the official number yourself.

Special focus: Inclusive resources

LGBTQ+ older adults

Veterans and surviving spouses

Tip: Ask a Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) to apply with you; it speeds things up and reduces errors.

Seniors with disabilities

Tribal members (statewide)

If you live in Boston but are enrolled with a tribe elsewhere, ask your tribal office about benefits you can use in Massachusetts.

If you live outside Boston or in areas with limited transit

Application timelines and “reality checks”

Program Typical timeline Reality check
SNAP (food stamps) 7–30 days Have ID, income, and medical bills ready. Seniors can claim medical expenses over $35/month to increase benefits.
LIHEAP (fuel help) 2–6 weeks; faster for crisis Funds are limited each season; apply early (November). Crisis help is faster but limited.
MassHealth 30–45 days Keep your bank statements and Social Security award letter handy.
Frail Elder Waiver Assessment 60–120 days; services may wait longer Boston demand is high; start early and ask about interim supports (homemaker, adult day health).
BHA/State Housing Months to years Apply to multiple lists; update your contact info every time you move or change phones.
Senior Circuit Breaker Refund in 8–12 weeks after filing File a MA tax return and Schedule CB each year; free tax help is available.

Documents checklist (use one folder for everything)

Category Documents
Identity Government ID, Social Security card
Income Social Security award letter, pension letters, recent pay stubs if working
Banking Last 3 months of bank statements (all accounts)
Residence Lease or property tax bill, recent utility bill with your name
Medical (care programs) Current medication list, doctor’s notes, hospital discharge papers
Insurance Medicare card, any Medicare Advantage or Part D cards, MassHealth card if you have one
Other Power of Attorney/health care proxy (if applicable)

Tip: Make photocopies. Never give away your only original document.

Transportation options at a glance

Option Who it’s for Cost How to use
Senior CharlieCard Adults 65+ 50% off MBTA fares Apply and load card: https://www.mbta.com/fares/reduced/senior-charliecard
The RIDE (paratransit) People who can’t use bus/subway due to disability/health Discounted ADA fare Apply and book: https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride
Age Strong rides Boston residents 60+ (varies) Usually free or low‑cost Call Age Strong: (617) 635‑4366
Non‑emergency medical transport (MassHealth) MassHealth members with medical need Covered with approval Call the MassHealth broker: (844) 366‑2828 (see MassHealth)

Always schedule rides early and confirm pickup windows.

Boston cost of living reality

  • Rent and utilities are high. HUD fair market rent for a 1‑bedroom in the Greater Boston area is among the highest in the country. See current HUD Fair Market Rents: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html
  • Plan to combine programs: SNAP + LIHEAP + property tax relief + utility discounts can free up hundreds per month while you wait for housing assistance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: I’m 70, renting in Dorchester. What single application gives me the biggest cash back?
A: The Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit can give up to $1,200 as a cash refund if you qualify. File a Massachusetts return with Schedule CB each year: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/senior-circuit-breaker-tax-credit

Q: Are there senior apartments with services in Boston?
A: Yes, BHA has senior/disabled public housing developments, and there are supportive housing sites run by nonprofits. Apply through BHA and the state CHAMP application, and ask your ASAP about supportive housing waitlists. BHA: https://www.bostonhousing.org; CHAMP: https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us

Q: MassHealth denied my Frail Elder Waiver. Can I appeal?
A: Yes. Contact your ASAP right away and follow the appeal instructions on your notice. Add more medical evidence from your doctor about daily care needs. MassHealth appeals info: https://www.mass.gov/masshealth

Q: I can’t get to the grocery store. Who can help?
A: Ask your ASAP about Meals on Wheels and escorted grocery trips. Many senior centers have shuttles. For delivery on a budget, use SNAP and look for retailers that accept EBT online.

Q: How do I find a doctor who takes MassHealth?
A: Call MassHealth Customer Service at (800) 841‑2900 or search the provider directory on Mass.gov. Community health centers in Boston often accept MassHealth: https://massleague.org/health-centers/find-a-health-center/

Q: I got a utility shutoff notice. What now?
A: Call your utility immediately and your LIHEAP agency (ABCD) for crisis help. Ask about medical and winter shutoff protections. DPU consumer protections: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-utilities

Q: Who can help me compare Medicare drug plans?
A: SHINE counselors provide free, unbiased help: https://www.mass.gov/shine or call (800) 243‑4636.

Q: Is there trusted help to avoid scams?
A: Yes. Call the AG’s Consumer Hotline (617) 727‑8400, and never give Social Security or Medicare numbers to unsolicited callers. Report fraud at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Resources by program area (bookmark these)

Sources (official and widely recognized)

Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility rules, income limits, and funding levels change frequently. Always confirm current information with the official agency or program before applying. This guide is for educational purposes and is not legal, tax, or medical advice.

About this guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

  • Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
  • Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non‑profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
  • Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

  • Last Updated: December 2025
  • Sources Verified: December 2025
  • Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.

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About the Authors

Analic Mata-Murray

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Analic Mata-Murray holds a Communications degree with a focus on Journalism and Advertising from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With over 11 years of experience as a volunteer translator for The Salvation Army, she has helped Spanish-speaking communities access critical resources and navigate poverty alleviation programs.

As Managing Editor at Grants for Seniors, Analic oversees all content to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Her bilingual expertise allows her to create and review content in both English and Spanish, specializing in community resources, housing assistance, and emergency aid programs.

Yolanda Taylor

Yolanda Taylor, BA Psychology

Senior Healthcare Editor

Yolanda Taylor is a Senior Healthcare Editor with over six years of clinical experience as a medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings, including OB/GYN, family medicine, and specialty clinics. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

At Grants for Seniors, Yolanda oversees healthcare-related content, ensuring medical accuracy and accessibility. Her clinical background allows her to translate complex medical terminology into clear guidance for seniors navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and dental care options. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds Lay Counselor certification and CPR/BLS certification.