Single Parent Resources in Massachusetts

Whether you’re facing divorce, navigating custody, or trying to make ends meet, this guide connects you to the legal, financial, and emotional support available in Massachusetts — plus trusted national resources for every step of your journey.

🏛️ Custody & Legal Help

• Custody Overview: Learn about legal vs. physical custody and how courts decide custody in MA.
  Read more on MassLegalHelp
• File for Custody or Visitation: Use the MA Probate & Family Court system.
  Visit the Probate & Family Court Portal
• Free Legal Help: Find legal aid in your county.
  Mass Legal Services Directory

Nationwide resources on Custody & Legal Help

• Legal Services Corporation – Support Resource for Single Parents

💸 Child Support

• How Child Support Works: Massachusetts uses income guidelines and a worksheet for calculating support.
  Child Support Guidelines
• Estimate Support: Download the worksheet and see estimated amounts.
  Download the Calculator (PDF)
• Apply for Enforcement: Services are provided by the Department of Revenue (DOR).
  Apply or Get Help Here

Nationwide resources on Child Support / Financial Assistance

• Benefits.gov – Support Resource for Single Parents
• IRS Child Tax Credit – Support Resource for Single Parents
• U.S. Department of Labor – Support Resource for Single Parents
• U.S. Department of Education – Support Resource for Single Parents
• CareerOneStop – Support Resource for Single Parents

🏠 Housing & Shelter

• Emergency Shelter Access: Call 1-866-584-0653 to apply or visit the portal.
  Mass Shelter Info
• Rental Help & Eviction Protection: Learn about your rights and apply for rental assistance through RAFT.
  Apply for RAFT
• Affordable Housing Programs: Browse affordable listings and application info.
  Visit MassHousing

Nationwide resources on Housing & Shelter

• HUD – Support Resource for Single Parents
• National Low Income Housing Coalition – Support Resource for Single Parents

🧾 Financial Assistance & Benefits

• TAFDC (Cash Aid): TAFDC Program Info
• SNAP (Food Help): Apply for SNAP
• WIC (Nutrition Help): Mass WIC Info
• Childcare Vouchers: Apply for Childcare Assistance

Nationwide resources on Financial Assistance

• Benefits.gov – Support Resource for Single Parents
• IRS Child Tax Credit – Support Resource for Single Parents
• U.S. Department of Labor – Support Resource for Single Parents
• U.S. Department of Education – Support Resource for Single Parents
• CareerOneStop – Support Resource for Single Parents

🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Support

• 24/7 Helpline: 📞 877-870-4673 (Samaritans MA)
• Parent Stress Line: 📞 1-800-632-8188 (Parents Helping Parents)
• Find a Therapist: NASW Therapy Matcher

Nationwide resources on Mental Health

• Mental Health America – Support Resource for Single Parents
• SAMHSA – Support Resource for Single Parents
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Support Resource for Single Parents

You’re Not Alone in Massachusetts

Being a single parent is hard — but in this state, you have real options, resources, and support. Use the links above to take action, protect your rights, and create stability for you and your family.