This program provides checks for certain basic foods (such as milk, cheese, and eggs) that can
be redeemed at many supermarkets. In addition, it offers nutrition counseling and referrals.
Assistance is available for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 5, and new
mothers, who meet income guidelines, regardless of nationality.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (also known as Fuel Assistance)
http://www.massresources.org/liheap.html Telephone: 1-800-632-8175
This program provides eligible households with help to pay winter heating bills. Eligibility depends
on household size and income. You can apply for assistance even if your heating costs are
included in your rent.
Note: most utility companies (electric and gas), as well as some telephone providers (including
Verizon), offer a lower rate for customers with low incomes; ask your utility provider for details.
MassHealth
www.mass.gov/masshealth
Telephone: 1-800-841-2900
MassHealth is a state-provided health insurance program for people with low and moderate
incomes. It offers a range of different coverage plans that pay for things like doctor visits, hospital
stays, medication, and dental care. Alternatively, MassHealth can assist with payments for
existing health insurance (e.g. the Harvard University Health Services student dependent plan).
Full benefits are only available for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain categories of
non-immigrants, but limited benefits are also offered for other non-immigrants, including F and J
visa holders. Once you fill in and submit an application (called a Medical Benefits Request),
MassHealth officials will determine the maximum benefits that you are entitled to.
Tip: The nature of many students’ incomes—a stipend that only covers part of the calendar
year, for example—as well as Harvard’s complex two-part student health insurance system
sometimes cause confusion for MassHealth officials who decide on applications. If your
situation is more complicated than can easily be explained on the application form, we suggest
including an additional letter that states your situation as clearly as possible.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services also runs separate health
insurance programs, Healthy Start and Children’s Medical Security Plan, for pregnant women
and children under 19 who are not eligible for MassHealth, or whose immigration status makes
them ineligible for full MassHealth benefits. For details, call the MassHealth service number at
1-800-841-2900 or visit the website: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/insurance/more-
programs/childrens-medical-security- plan.html.
NOTE: As a non-immigrant visa holder, you should not accept certain kinds of public assistance
(e.g. food stamps, welfare) that would deem you a “public charge.” For more information about
eligibility for federal government programs, you may obtain a publication called Guide to Alien
Eligibility for Federal Programs. The book cost about $30 and is available through the National
Immigration Law Center, telephone 213-639-3900, email info@nilc.org. However, note that the