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All kinds of help

Care

Help paying for child care and preschool, care for older adults, and support for people with disabilities. Your state runs help paying for child care and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Head Start is free preschool for young children in families with low income.Help in Massachusetts and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

    Child Care Financial Assistance

    Child care financial assistance helps eligible families pay for child care and out-of-school programs.

    Ways to apply:OnlineIn person

  • Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and Executive Office of Aging and Independence

    Aging and Disability Resource Consortia

    Also: Aging Services Network

    ADRCs connect older adults and people with disabilities to local long-term services and supports.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • Department of Developmental Services

    Developmental Disabilities Services

    DDS supports eligible people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

    Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    Head Start and Early Head Start

    Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

    Find a program near you with the Head Start locator and contact it to apply.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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