Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
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Massachusetts
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 14, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Massachusetts, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Updates and Information website, COVID-19 State of Emergency resources or MassTrac's list of bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employment-Related Relief Programs
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Statute Providing Additional Support Through the Unemployment Insurance Program
This act amends the General Law (Section 30) to prohibit the reduction of an applicant’s benefit rate from 30 times to 26 times in a benefit year in which initial applications in any week exceeds 100,000 and to prohibit applying unemployment claims … » more information -
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) is a cash benefit for families with children under 18, including teen parents. Although no specific guidance has issued with respect to COVID-19, affected families may qualify if they meet … » more information -
Unemployment Benefits for Workers Whose Employers Are Impacted by COVID-19
Workers who are temporarily unemployed due to lack of work because of COVID-19 will be eligible for unemployment benefits on a special standby status. The worker will be considered unemployed regardless of whether the worker’s workplace is shut down … » more information -
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Workers who are temporarily unemployed or whose hours have been reduced because of COVID-19, workers who have been quarantined due to an order by a civil authority, and workers who leave employment due to reasonable risk of exposure to COVID-19 or … » more information -
Waiver of One-Week Waiting Period for Claims for Unemployment Benefits
The normal one-week waiting period has been waived for any person making a claim for unemployment benefits who has become separated from work as a result of any circumstance relating to or resulting from the outbreak of COVID-19 or the effects of … » more information -
Waiver of Timeframe for Certified Nurse Aide Training
During the Governor’s declared State of Emergency regarding COVID-19, the requirement that a nurse aide must complete the nurse aide training within 90 days of commencing employment is suspended, provided that the long-term care facility at which … » more information -
WorkShare Program (Alternative to Layoffs)
The WorkShare program is an alternative for employers contemplating potential layoffs. Under the program, employees can work reduced hours while collecting unemployment benefits to supplement their lower wages. The program allows employees to keep … » more information
Food-Related Relief Programs
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COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act
The COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response Act (the “CNRA”) enables the Secretary of Agriculture to waive conditions that states, schools, and individuals must meet to be eligible for financial support for federal nutrition programs. » more information -
Food and Nutrition Service
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) makes appropriations to the Department of Agriculture to fund food and nutrition assistance programs. » more information -
SNAP COVID-19 Response Waivers
This section of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”) makes it easier to obtain nutritional assistance. The Act lifts certain requirements for low-income, unemployed individuals to be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition … » more information -
The Maintaining Essential Access to Lunch for Students (MEALS) Act
The Maintaining Essential Access to Lunch for Students Act (the “MEALS Act”) seeks to ensure students have access to school meal benefits while schools are closed because of COVID-19. Enacted as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act … » more information -
Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Emergency SNAP)
Emergency SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) are for SNAP applicants that need food assistance within 7 days. These benefits are typically issued for one month while applicants gather the verifications that the needed to approve a full … » more information -
Farmers Market, Farm Stands, and Community Supported Agriculture – Enabling Access to Local Fruits and Vegetables and Reducing Exposure of Public and Employees to COVID-19
Farmers markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) are deemed essential and will remain open, and their employees are deemed essential workers. To reduce the exposure of shoppers and employees to COVID-19, managers, staff … » more information -
Permitting Establishments Licensed for On-Premises Sales of Alcoholic Beverages to Sell Them for Off-Premises Consumption
During the Governor’s declared State of Emergency, any establishment licensed for the on-premises sale of alcoholic beverages may now sell mixed drinks for off-premises consumption provided that it is sold (i) only to persons 21 years of age or … » more information -
Phased Reopening of Workplaces
The Governor has issued Executive Orders that will begin a phased reopening of businesses and other organizations. Massachusetts is currently in Step 1 of Phase III of the reopening plan. At this time, Phase-I; Phase-II; and Phase-III, Step-1 … » more information -
Protecting Nursery, Greenhouse, Garden Centers, and Agriculture Supply Store Employees and the Public from Exposure to COVID-19
Nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and agriculture supply stores are required to implement measures to protect the health and welfare of the public while remaining open during the Governor’s declared State of Emergency. These measures include … » more information -
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) provides a monthly benefit to buy nutritious foods. These offerings were previously in place, and have not changed in response to COVID-19. » more information -
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Assistance
WIC is a food assistance program for women, infants, and young children. WIC provides checks to buy healthy foods, and also provides information about nutrition, health, and breastfeeding. The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides coupons to … » more information -
Continuation of Free Meal Programs for Students in the Boston Public School System
The City of Boston, in partnership with various community organizations, will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch meals at various locations and times across the City. All pick-up sites are set up to be “grab and go.” … » more information -
Feeding America
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Feeding America network of food banks has added mobile pantry stops and is implementing drive-through food pickup and delivery options. Feeding America has also established the COVID-19 Response Fund to help … » more information -
Mon Ami
Mon Ami is a non-profit organization that matches seniors with local volunteers who visit them weekly. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Mon Ami is offering seniors nationwide social visits by phone or video. Additionally, Mon Ami is providing … » more information -
Restaurant Workers Relief Program
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Lee Initiative has established the Restaurant Workers Relief Program, through which it is operating grab-and-go food sites in cities throughout the United States for restaurant employees that were either … » more information -
Bread of Life
During the COVID-19 outbreak, Bread of Life’s Malden Food Pantry is providing grab-and-go pre-bagged groceries for individuals in need. Bread of Life is also arranging grocery delivery for individuals who are unable to travel to the Food Pantry. In … » more information -
Islamic Multi Services Organization
During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Islamic Multi Services Organization (IMSO) is continuing to operate its food pantry in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. » more information
Health-Related Relief Programs
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Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
This section of the CARES Act addresses proper procedures to be used by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in implementing countermeasure research, development and procurement with respect to biodefense and infectious … » more information
© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.