Financial Assistance

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Most programs pay the billing entity directly and can't pay for already paid expenses. Due to this, people should avoid making payments out of pocket if they are anticipating financial assistance.
Offsetting other living expenses can improving housing instability as well. Programs for this are listed below too.

EXPENSE TYPE	PROGRAM	ELIGIBILITY
Housing	Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Provides up to $7,000 per 12-months for housing stability: rent, utilities, moving costs, mortgage payments	At risk of homelessness or losing your housing, such as: Received a Notice to Quit, eviction notice, or utility shutoff notice Behind on mortgage or rent payments Have a disability Live in conditions hazardous to your health and safety Income of 50% AMI or less Income of 60% AMI or less AND at risk of domestic violence
Housing - Eviction	HomeStart Eviction Prevention An Advocate will work with you to develop a plan to address the barriers that led to the eviction, assist you in Housing Court to stop the eviction, pay the outstanding balance, and continue assisting you for one year to ensure your housing remains stable	Households facing eviction
General	Westwood Community Chest Provides financial assistance for utilities, rent, school supplies, medical treatment, etc. Click the link to apply	Westwood resident Financial hardship
General	St. Vincent de Paul Provides financial assistance for a variety of purposes 1. Call 781-326-1071 ext. 200 2. Leave a voicemail with your name, address, phone, & brief description of the issue 3. You'll receive a call back within 1-2 days to schedule a home visit for the purposes of gathering the person's financial information	Westwood resident Financial hardship
Energy	Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Provides financial assistance to reduce heating bills (oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood, coal, etc.) November 1st-April 30th The Council on Aging Outreach Social Worker can assist with the application.	Income of 60% AMI of the estimated state median income or less
Energy	Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program (HEARTWAP) Provides emergency repair or replacement of defective or unsafe heating systems	Eligible for LIHEAP
Taxes	Aid to the Elderly and Disabled Tax Fund Provides tax relief to seniors through Clause 41C	70+ years of age Income of less than the State Circuit Breaker level Massachusetts homeowner for 10+ consecutive years before the start of the tax year (July 1) AND owned and occupied the property for any 5 years Home is used as primary residence and valued less than the Town average
Taxes	Hardship Exemption Provides tax relief primarily to those that cannot meet tax obligations due to age, infirmity, or financial status through Clause 18	Unable to pay taxes due to: active military service or aged (65+), infirmed, or impoverished Can be granted for already paid taxes under limited circumstances
Taxes	Senior Tax Write Off Program Work for a municipal department in exchange for a credit applied to property taxes	Income-eligible Seniors (60+ years) Westwood resident
Internet & Phone	Lifeline Provides up to $9.25/month toward internet service, home phone service, and wireless phone plan with data (not the phone itself)	Income-eligible
Internet & Phone	Company discount programs are offered by private service providers, such as Xfinity or Verizon, and often work in tandem with the aforementioned programs. Contact your service provider to learn more.	Income-eligible
Internet	Wi-Fi Hotspots Can be borrowed from Westwood Public Library for short-term use	Westwood Public Library cardholders
Phone	Safelink Wireless Free and discounted mobile phones and minutes	Income-eligible
Internet	Affordable Connectivity Program Provides up to $30/month toward internet service. This program is currently closed until funding is renewed by Congress.	Income-eligible
Food	Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food benefits to supplement your grocery budget	Income-eligible
Miscellaneous	Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) Provides various benefits: Two cash payments per month for basic needs Enrollment in MassHealth Referral to free employment and training programs Referral for free child care during work and/or school Money for transportation for education, training, or work One time payment for infants under 6 months Clothing allowance for children	Income-eligible Households with children under 18 Pregnant individuals
Miscellaneous	Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Provides health foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services free of charge	Income-eligible Households with children under 5 New moms Pregnant/breastfeeding individuals