Social Services Resources: State and Federal Agencies
STATE
The Massachusetts court system consists of the Supreme Judicial Court, the Appeals Court, the Executive Office of the Trial Court, the 7 Trial Court departments, the Massachusetts Probation Service, and the Office of Jury Commissioner. Search for basic case information and scheduled court dates for members of the public and attorneys.
BSAS: The Bureau of Substance Abuse Services oversees the statewide system of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services for individuals, families, and communities affected by gambling and substance addiction.
DCF: The Department of Children and Families (formerly known as DSS, Department of Social Services) works in partnership with families and communities to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. In most cases, DCF is able to provide supports and services to keep children safe with parents or family members. When necessary, DCF provides foster care or finds new permanent families for children through kinship, guardianship or adoption.
DDS: The Department of Developmental Services provides supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to enhance opportunities to become fully engaged members of their community.
DHCD: The Department of Housing and Community Development through its community and business partners, provides affordable housing options, financial assistance, and other support to Massachusetts communities. CHAMP (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public-Housing) is the online site to apply for state-aided public housing.
DMH: The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages; enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities.
DOE: The Department of Education
DPH: The Department of Public Health regulates, licenses and provides oversight of a wide range of healthcare-related professions and services. Additionally, the Department focuses on preventing disease and promoting wellness and health equity for all people. Information is available for residents, providers, researchers, and stakeholders. BSAS (Bureau of Substance Addiction Services) is a DPH Program.
DTA: The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one in nine residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance (cash benefits) and food assistance (SNAP benefits), as well as workforce training opportunities.
DYS: Department of Youth Services is the Juvenile Justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. DYS promotes positive change in the youth in our care and custody.
Mass211: connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. It serves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources. Mass211 is always a confidential call, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call2Talk is run by Mass211.
MCAD: The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination, including disability discrimination.
MCB: The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind provides rehabilitation and social services to Massachusetts residents who are blind, leading to their independence and full community participation.
MCDHH: The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides accessible communication, education, and advocacy to consumers and private and public entities so that programs, services, and opportunities throughout Massachusetts are fully accessible to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.
MOD: The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) works to ensure that people with disabilities living or working in Massachusetts have full and equal participation in all aspects of life. They provide information about disability-related programs and rights and can help people resolve disability-related issues through their Client Services Unit. Their Client Assistance Program provides information, referral, and advocacy services for people having trouble getting vocational rehabilitation or independent living related services.
MRC: The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) helps individuals with disabilities to live and work independently. MRC is responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Living and eligibility determination for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefits programs.
Medicaid/MassHealth: In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth members may be able to get doctors visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, and many other important services.
One Can Help: We work with court-appointed attorneys and social workers to provide clients at risk with essential resources when no other aid is available, to help them break the cycle of deprivation and hopelessness.
FEDERAL
Lifeline Program: Lifeline is a government benefit program that provides a monthly discount on one communications service from a certified Lifeline service provider.
Medicare: Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD). Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance), Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). Medicare C (Medicare Advantage) are private plans run through Medicare.
Social Security Administration locations in MA
Veterans Administration: The mission of the Department of Veterans’ Services is to advocate on behalf of all the Commonwealth’s veterans and provide them with quality support services and to direct an emergency financial assistance program for those veterans and their dependents who are in need.
Please note that the information provided on this page is not an endorsement of services nor is it a substitute for due diligence. While every effort is made to keep the information updated, there is no guarantee of its accuracy.
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