Financial Education and Information
ACT Youth Jobs and Leadership Program (opens in a new tab)
A 13-week program designed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in both professional and educational pursuits. Includes financial literacy workshops led by expert mentors to help youth make informed financial decisions and secure their futures.
Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) – Financial Education Center (opens in a new tab)
Located in the Merrimack Valley, CTI offers a suite of free financial tools and services.
Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union – Money Smart Seminars (opens in a new tab)
Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union offers free educational programs specifically designed to educate and prepare community members of all ages for lifelong financial success.
Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) – Financial Assistance Page (opens in a new tab)
Provides structured guidance on navigating federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, SSP (State Supplement), and DTA programs like EAEDC, SNAP, PFML, and utility/energy assistance. Also covers housing, heating, and transportation benefits.
NAMI Massachusetts (opens in a new tab)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts (NAMI Mass) does advocacy and education around mental health. Their Compass Helpline provides information, ideas, resources, and support in English and Spanish to help people navigate the complex mental health system.
Saving and Planning for the Future
ABLE Accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience) (opens in a new tab)
Tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. Money in ABLE accounts doesn’t affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility (within limits) and grows tax-free. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses such as housing, transportation, education, assistive technology, and even financial management services.
Attainable® Savings Plan (managed by Fidelity) (opens in a new tab)
The Attainable® Savings Plan is the ABLE Account program for Massachusetts.
PLAN of MA & RI (opens in a new tab)
PLAN offers special needs trusts and associated support and management services for people with disabilities. They help individuals and families manage funds with professional planning and oversight.
Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) (opens in a new tab)
A PASS is a written plan approved by Social Security for a work goal. It lets you set aside income or savings without hurting your SSI. The plan spells out the work goal. It lists the items or services needed and a timeline. Money and items set aside under an approved PASS do not count when Social Security figures your SSI payment. Social Security has to approve the plan first. It can also check in on progress over time.
Taxes
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (opens in a new tab)
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a team of volunteers that helps people file taxes. The program runs from January through April. VITA is available to people earning $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers.