It is illegal for your gas or electric company to turn off your services if you need them for heat between October 27 and April 1 and you cannot afford to pay your bills. Learn more: www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef... Article by @nclc4consumers.bsky.social and @masslawreform.bsky.social

GBLS' new LGBTQ+ Family Law Project is here to help! Please contact our Family Law Unit if you need assistance with any of the matters below.

📢Massachusetts Bar Association Dial-A-Lawyer is TOMORROW!☎️ @massbar.bsky.social On the first Wednesday of the month, between 5:30 and 7:30 PM, you can call volunteer lawyers and get free legal advice. Call (617) 338-0610 or (877) 686-0711. For more information: www.massbar.org/public/dial-...

The Department of Children and Families must give people with disabilities an equal chance to benefit from its programs and activities. Read more at MassLegalHelp: www.masslegalhelp.org/children-fam...

Do you have a plan for your children if you are suddenly detained by ICE? Work with a student attorney from Harvard Legal Aid Bureau in Cambridge to talk through your options and make a plan. 📞Contact HLAB: 617-495-4408 or [email protected]

If you have told your landlord in writing about a problem in your apartment and they refuse to make repairs, you have the right to take action. Learn more about your rights at MassLegalHelp: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

If you’re selected for a Section 8 Voucher, learn what steps to take next. www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

When someone starts a case against you in Probate and Family Court, they file a paper called a Complaint. You may wish to file an “Answer.” An "Answer" is your response to the Complaint that the plaintiff filed. Learn more at MassLegalHelp. www.masslegalhelp.org/children-fam...

You can ask for replacement SNAP if you lost food that you bought with SNAP because of a flood, fire, or lack of electricity. To apply, report to the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) within 10 days of the food loss. Learn more at MassLegalHelp. www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...

Adult Foster Care (ACF) caregivers - if you are low income, you may be eligible for SNAP and you have the choice to exclude ACF members in your SNAP household. Apply through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Learn more at MassLegalHelp. www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...

If you are a college student eligible for SNAP, you may get up to $292 per month for food. Students with spouses or children may be eligible for more. You can apply through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Learn more at MassLegalHelp. www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...

Thank you, @bostonlegalaid.bsky.social and @bostonglobe.com, for sharing MassLegalHelp's tenant resources! Learn more about your rights here: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing.../t...

As a renter in Massachusetts, some of your rights depend on the kind of tenancy you have and the kind of housing you rent. You also have certain rights no matter what type of tenancy you have. In English: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar... En español: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...

If you feel that you've been discriminated against by a real estate agent or a landlord, there are steps that you can take and organizations that may be able to help you. Learn more on MassLegalHelp. In English www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar... En español www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...

When looking for a place to live, it's important to understand how landlords do tenant screening and what rights you have. Find out what laws landlords must follow to accept or reject you as a tenant. In English www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar... En español www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...

Are you having a problem with your neighbor? Visit MassLegalHelp for a list of some steps you can take to solve the problem. In English: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar... En español: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...

When you are renting a home in Massachusetts, you may have a lease or contract. Learn more about what should and should not be included in your lease agreement. In English: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar... En español: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...

Are you looking for an apartment? Here are some things to know and do before you agree to rent an apartment: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar... (English) www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-... (español) Our content is written and reviewed by legal aid programs, lawyers, and community partners.

Tenants - learn how to protect your security deposit in Massachusetts. Find out what laws landlords must follow. Get your deposit back when you move. In English: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar... En español: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...

Planning to move out of your apartment? Get our move-out checklist on MassLegalHelp. In English: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar... En español: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...

Attention, families getting TAFDC! The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) pays a $500 clothing allowance for each child in the family who gets TAFDC. This year’s payment will go out on Aug 29th. Learn more: www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...

Starting August 1, 2025, a new law makes clear that landlords cannot require tenants to pay broker fees in Massachusetts. ➡ Learn more & get flyers in 9 languages: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

"Red cards" can help you tell an immigration officer (ICE) that you are using your rights. Show the card to the officer or slide it under the door. Download and print “red cards” in 19 languages: www.ilrc.org/red-cards-ta... Translations made possible with the support of the Boston Bar Foundation.

Are you a worker on strike? Learn about the eligibility rules for SNAP food benefits and how your income gets counted while you are striking: www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...

Wage laws cover ALL workers. Your immigration status does not matter. Learn how to get help if your employer is not following the law in Massachusetts: www.masslegalhelp.org/employment-u... Translations made possible with the support of the Boston Bar Foundation.

If you're a survivor of domestic violence, you may be able to get legal immigration status through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) without your abuser’s help. Learn more: www.masslegalhelp.org/domestic-abu... Translations made possible with the support of the Boston Bar Foundation.

Did you know that “coercive control” is a form of domestic violence under MA law? It can include someone: ➡️Harming or trying to harm your child or relative ➡️Isolating you from your friends or family ➡️Monitoring you by using technology Learn more: www.masslegalhelp.org/domestic-abu...

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) must make sure that you can understand and communicate with its workers if English is not your primary language. Learn more about your right to an interpreter and written information in your language from DCF.

When you are applying for a MA driver’s license, you do NOT have to share your immigration status or prove lawful presence in the U.S. www.masslegalhelp.org/immigration/... Translations made possible with the support of the Boston Bar Foundation.

Questions about your rights at work? GBLS and other groups have answers! Come to the Workers' Rights Clinic June 25 from 5-7pm, at 2300 Washington St. in Roxbury. The clinic is organized by the ‪@boston.gov‬ Office of Labor Compliance and Worker Protections.

In Massachusetts, most people age 21 and younger have the right to go to public elementary, middle, and high school. This includes immigrants. Learn more about your legal rights www.masslegalhelp.org/immigration/... Translations made possible with the support of the Boston Bar Foundation.

Do you have a case against you in Immigration Court? Learn the basics of what to expect in removal or deportation proceedings. Learn more about your legal rights www.masslegalhelp.org/immigration/... Translations made possible with the support of the Boston Bar Foundation.

Learn more about your legal rights if you are detained and in ICE custody. Visit MassLegalHelp today. www.masslegalhelp.org/immigration/... Translations made possible with the support of the Boston Bar Foundation.⁠

If you are stopped by immigration (ICE):⁠ - You do not need to answer questions or sign anything.⁠ - You have the right to talk to a lawyer.⁠ Learn more about your legal rights: www.masslegalhelp.org/immigration/... ⁠ Translations made possible with the support of the Boston Bar Foundation.

Do you speak Haitian Creole, Portuguese, or Spanish? Get information about your legal rights in Massachusetts! Visit MassLegalHelp today: www.masslegalhelp.org/immigration/... www.masslegalhelp.org/domestic-abu... Translations made possible with the support of the BBF @bostonbar.bsky.social.

Are you having trouble finding an apartment with an eviction on your record?🏠 You may be able to "seal" your record in Massachusetts. ✉️ Seal means that the eviction record will no longer be publicly available. ➡️Learn more at www.SealMyEviction.org!

Have you ever faced an eviction in Massachusetts? You may be able to seal your eviction record! 🏠✉️ As of May 5, a new law allows tenants to “seal” their eviction record in certain types of cases. “Seal” means that an eviction record will no longer be publicly available. Learn more at MassLegalHelp.

Eviction Record Sealing is now law in Massachusetts!! More info at: SealMyEviction.org File a petition here: apps.suffolklitlab.org/run/matc_pet... Register for a workshop to get assistance (language access, ADA available) bit.ly/EvictionRecordSealing2025

🍎Are you an adult in Massachusetts, on SNAP, and between age 18-54 years old?🥦 If so, you may have to meet work rules to keep getting SNAP for more than 3 months between now and January 1, 2027. 🗓 Learn more: www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef... In Spanish: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/beneficio...

Have questions about your rights while renting an apartment in Massachusetts? We just updated Legal Tactics, a book written by expert lawyers about laws that affect tenants. Get the chapters, forms and booklets online at www.masslegalhelp.org/legal-tactics

We're switching up our look for our 5th Legal Tip Tuesday! Today's topic is eviction sealing. Starting on 5/5 MA tenants can petition to seal their eviction records, depending on the type of eviction & case outcome. Learn more at @masslegalhelp.bsky.social: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

Welcome back to Legal Tip Tuesday! Did you know that after a required waiting period, you may be able to have your MA criminal record (CORI) sealed so fewer people can see it? Check out @masslegalhelp.bsky.social for info about the sealing process & more: www.masslegalhelp.org/criminal-rec...

Have questions about the Department of Children and Families (DCF) fair hearing process? Learn more about what to expect at a DCF fair hearing, how to prepare, and where to get help. Check out our DCF Fair Hearings Help Center: www.masslegalhelp.org/children-fam... By @masslawreform.bsky.social

Did you know? As a Massachusetts tax filer, you may be eligible for several state and federal tax credits. This is also the last year to get COVID payments and other money you may be owed. Go to FindYourFunds.org to check your eligibility for these credits.

Our friends at the @liftourkidsma.bsky.social Coalition want to hear from you! If you get cash assistance in Massachusetts, how would $300 more a month make a difference for you and your family? Share your response at bit.ly/RaiseGrants.

Need help choosing the best option for your child's care, like a guardian or caregiver? Try our Care Type Finder: www.masslegalhelp.org/guardian-or-caregiver Care Type Finder by @communitylegalma.bsky.social with funding from a @legalservicescorp.bsky.social Technology Initiative Grant

Join the #MCAD & @boston.gov this Monday for a FREE webinar covering MA laws that protect you at work, common forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, and how to file a complaint if you believe you were discriminated against or harassed. Interpretation in Spanish & Portuguese provided!

Get help filing your taxes on FindYourFunds.org, a site from community organizations and legal services in Massachusetts. Get 3 types of free tax help: → filing online for free with the IRS → at-home help through GetYourRefund → In-person help from tax prep counselors at a VITA site.

If you have children in K-12 school and are facing eviction, the Access to Counsel Program can help! Reach out to your Boston Public Schools liaison or contact the Office of Housing Stability: bit.ly/housing-stability-office @familyaid.bsky.social @bostonschools.boston.gov

In collaboration with SomerViva (Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs), Somerville Public Library will be hosting a Know Your Rights Training. Come learn about your and your neighbors' immigration rights! 🧵