ABLE Accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience)
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.
ACT Youth Jobs and Leadership Program
A transformative 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
Located in the Merrimack Valley, CTI offers a suite of free financial tools and services.
Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union – Money Smart Seminars
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
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
The Compass Helpline assists with applying for public benefits and offers financial-stability advice (Monday–Friday, 10 am–6 pm). Resources include 'Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on People with Disabilities' and the FDIC’s Money Smart curriculum.
PLAN of MA & RI
Provides trustee and fiduciary services, helping individuals and families manage funds with professional planning and oversight.
Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS)
PASS is a written plan that allows you to set aside income, other than your Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other things you own for a specified time to help you reach your work goal. The money you set aside must be used to pay for expenses associated with reaching your goal. Some common expenses include supplies to start a business, school expenses, equipment and tools, transportation, uniforms, and childcare. Your work goal should allow you to earn enough to reduce or eliminate your need for benefits provided under both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI programs.
The Attainable® Savings Plan (managed by Fidelity)
The Attainable® Savings Plan—also known as an ABLE account—helps individuals with disabilities and their families save for disability-related expenses while maintaining eligibility for benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Get Help Filing Taxes & Get a Tax Refund. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a team of volunteers that helps qualified individuals file federal and state income taxes. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation. The program runs from March 10 through May 2. VITA is available to people earning $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers.