Essex County

Local offices in Essex County

We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.

• State office · State office

  DTA Lawrence Transitional Assistance Office

  280 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843

  Help here

  • SNAP and cash assistanceApply for food and cash benefits or get help with an existing case.Apply onlineRead more
  Call 978-725-7100DirectionsWebsite

  Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov

• State office · State office

  DTA North Shore Transitional Assistance Office

  45 Congress Street, Suite 4120, Salem, MA 01970

  Help here

  • SNAP and cash assistanceApply for food and cash benefits or get help with an existing case.Apply onlineRead more
  Call 978-825-7300DirectionsWebsite

  Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov

• Jobs and training · Regional office

  MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center

  439 South Union Street, Suite 208, Lawrence, MA 01843

  Help here

  • Job search and career supportGet help with job searches, resumes, career planning, and training options.
  Call 978-722-7000DirectionsWebsite

  Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on masshiremvcc.com

• Jobs and training · Regional office

  MassHire North Shore Career Center

  70 Washington Street, First Floor, Salem, MA 01970

  Help here

  • Job search and career supportGet help with job searches, resumes, career planning, and training options.
  Call 978-825-7200DirectionsWebsite

  Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on masshire-nscareers.org

• Older adults · Regional office

  SeniorCare Inc.

  Help here

  • Aging and caregiver servicesFind information and support for older adults and family caregivers in the region.
  Website

  Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on seniorcareinc.org

• Community action · Nonprofit

  Action, Inc.

  180 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

  Help here

  • Community action servicesAsk about local help with basic needs and energy costs.
  Call 978-282-1000DirectionsWebsite

  Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on actioninc.org

• Courts and legal help · State office

  Lawrence Court Service Center

  2 Appleton Street, 2nd Floor, Lawrence, MA 01840

  Help here

  • Court self-helpGet free help understanding court forms and processes if you do not have a lawyer.
  Call 711DirectionsWebsite

  Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov

• Library · State office

  Essex Law Library

  2 Appleton Street, Lawrence, MA 01840

  Help here

  • Legal researchUse legal reference materials and ask library staff for help with legal research.
  Call 978-687-7608DirectionsWebsite

  Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov

Checked on October 8, 2026

Cities and towns in Essex County

• Amesbury
• Beverly
• Gloucester
• Haverhill
• Lawrence
• Lynn
• Methuen
• Newburyport
• Peabody
• Salem

Massachusetts programs by kind of help

These are run by Massachusetts and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.

• FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
• HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
• GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
• TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
• HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
• MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
• CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
• EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
• WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
• LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal help anyone can use

These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security retirement benefits

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Medicare

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.

  Call 1-800-633-4227
• Extra Help with Medicare drug costs

  Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• VA health care

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.

  Call 1-877-222-8387
• VA disability compensation and benefits

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

  Call 1-800-827-1000
• FAFSA, the federal student aid form

  U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• Federal Pell Grant

  U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• Lifeline phone and internet discount

  Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

  Call 1-800-234-9473
• Head Start and Early Head Start

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

  Call 1-866-763-6481
• IRS Free File

  Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.

• VITA and TCE free tax help

  Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.

  Call 1-800-906-9887
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.

  Call 1-800-829-1040
• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

• Replace a Social Security card

  Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• FEMA disaster assistance

  Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

  Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026