The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for low and moderate income families and individuals who paid for tuition, fees, books, and supplies during the tax year. The credit applies to the first four years of post-secondary education.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit replaces the Hope Credit for tax years 2009 and 2010. The credit equals 100% of the first $2000, and 25% of the next $2000 paid, up to a maximum of $2500 per year per student. Forty percent of the credit is refundable, allowing families with little or no tax liability to get a refund payment of up to $1000 per student.

The Lifetime Learning Credit is a federal tax credit for low and moderate income families and individuals who paid tuition and related educational expenses during the tax year. The credit applies to full-time or part-time post-secondary education, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional study.

The credit equals 20% of the first $10,000 paid for all family members, up to a maximum of $2000 per year per family. The credit is not refundable.

The federal homebuyer tax credit has been extended and expanded through June 30, 2010. First-time homebuyers and non-first-time homebuyers are now eligible for the credit. Income limits have increased to $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married taxpayers for the full credit; and $145,000 single and $245,000 married for the partial credit.

Several types of tracking devices are available to help find people who wander due to Alzheimer's, dementia, autism, or other cognitive disorders. Some devices use GPS satellite tracking, while others use radio frequency signals. You can get information about tracking devices from your local Elder Services agency, the AgeInfo line, the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Association, or Project Lifesaver.

MedlinePlus Go Local Massachusetts is a free online directory of clinics, screening programs, referral services, physicians, hospitals, support groups, clinical trials, advocacy groups, education programs, and other health-related resources for Massachusetts residents. The directory is sorted by geographic area to help residents find resources in their local communities. MedlinePlus Go Local is a service of the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine.

Free clinics are community-based health care programs that provide medical, dental, vision, mental health, and other health-related services to uninsured or underinsured low income residents. Free clinics do not turn people away for inability to pay.

Commonwealth Care Bridge is a state-subsidized health insurance program for special status legal immigrants who lost their Commonwealth Care coverage on August 31, 2009 because of changes in state law. Commonwealth Care Bridge offers most of the benefits of Commonwealth Care. Members get health care services from CeltiCare, a statewide health plan.

Beginning January 1, 2010, Prescription Advantage will stop paying any portion of Medicare prescription drug plan monthly premiums. Medicare drug plans will bill Prescription Advantage members directly for their full premium costs. Members who are eligible for Extra Help from Social Security will continue to get those subsidies.

The Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program allows seniors to do volunteer work for their local governments in exchange for a reduction in their property taxes. Senior volunteers earn credits for the hours they work, up to $1000 maximum in most communities. The credits lower their property tax bills.

The list of Massachusetts WIC-approved foods now includes more nutritious food items with less fat, more fiber, less sugar, and fewer calories. Some of the additions are fresh fruits and vegetables, brown rice, whole grains, tofu, soy milk, low-fat / non-fat milk, and baby foods.

Job programs for youth help teen and young adult Massachusetts residents find and keep jobs. Programs include:

• Job Corps
  a free federal residential career technical training and education program for income-eligible young adults age 16 through 24
• YouthBuild
  an education, job training, and community service program for low-income at-risk youth that helps students get their high school diploma or GED while also learning carpentry and other construction skills.

Massachusetts residents who need job training to find work, advance in their jobs, or change careers may be eligible for job training assistance programs. Programs include:

• Adult and Dislocated Worker Program
  for economically disadvantaged and dislocated workers
• Apprenticeship Training
  for workers who want to earn wages while learning a skilled trade
• Senior Aide Community Service Employment Program
  for low-income workers age 55 or older who face barriers to employment
• Trade Adjustment Assistance Program
  for workers who lost their jobs because of foreign trade

Adult learners who want to improve their education or English language skills can get free instruction from Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs. The Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline helps students find:

• basic reading, writing, math, and problem-solving classes
• ESOL/ESL English language lessons
• GED preparation and test centers
• other basic educational services for adults with academic skills below the 12th grade level

Massachusetts public school districts provide special education programs for children and youth with disabilities, 3 to 21 years of age, at no cost to parents. Special education services are provided in the classroom, at home, at other community sites, or in hospitals or institutions.

Massachusetts homeowners and renters who get LIHEAP fuel assistance, SSI, or TAFDC can have their homes weatherized for free through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). After weatherization, homes are easier to heat, and fuel bills are lower.

The Personal Care Attendant Program (PCA) helps people with long-term disabilities live independently at home. MassHealth gives funds to eligible Standard and CommonHealth members to hire their own PCAs to provide personal care services.
 
MassHealth PCA participants can use the Massachusetts PCA Directory to find PCAs that meet their needs.

The MassHousing Homebuyer Tax Credit Loan Program allows first-time homebuyers who are eligible for the $8000 federal homebuyer tax credit to use the credit for their down payment or closing costs when they buy their house. The loan does not have to be repaid until June 1, 2010.

MassHealth pays for crisis intervention, diagnostic assessments, and medically necessary treatments for a wide range of mental and emotional disorders, as well as specificied substance abuse treatment services.

The Children's Behavioral Health Initiative offers new services for children with severe emotional disturbance, including care coordination, at-home services and family support, and mobile crisis response.

Looking for affordable summer programs for children and teens? Activities are listed by city/town. Financial assistance is available for many programs.

Patient Assistance Programs provide free or low cost prescription drugs to patients who cannot afford them. All major drug companies have patient assistance programs. Generic and brand name drugs most often prescribed by doctors are available.

More youth will be be able to meet the income guidelines for the YouthWorks job program this summer. Family income no greater than 200% of the Federal Povery Guidelines now qualifies. The program is for at-risk youth age 14-21 in targeted cities and towns throughout Massachusetts.

Residents who qualify for Lifeline can now choose between discounted landline telephone service and free cell phone service. SafeLink Wireless gives one free cell phone and 80 free minutes per month to each eligible household. Residents can apply on the SafeLink web site.

MassResources.org is now posting quick updates, questions, and comments on Twitter. We hope you'll follow us at twitter.com/massresources.

Massachusetts residents can get free or low-cost household goods and services to help furnish their homes, repair their houses, pay for pet medical care, remove snow from their sidewalks, and meet other household needs. Goods and services include:

• Free furniture and household goods
• Thrift stores
• Free items on the Internet
• Elder home repair
• Low cost building supplies
• Free/low cost spay/neuter and other pet medical care programs
• Snow shoveling services for elders and people with disabilities
• Wheelchair ramp programs

Home Affordable Modification is a new federal program that gives financial incentives to mortgage providers to modify loans. Homeowners pay no more than 31% of their monthly household income for their modified loan payments. The program is for homeowners at risk of foreclosure because of financial hardship.

Home Affordable Refinance allows homeowners who lost equity when their homes dropped in value to take advantage of low interest rates. The program is for homeowners with satisfactory credit who have been making their loan payments on time. The amount owed on the first mortgage can be no more than 105% of current market value.

Making Home Affordable is President Obama's refinance and loan modification program to help struggling homeowners keep their homes. It is a temporary program to bring stability to the housing market during the current financial crisis.

The 2009 economic stimulus plan includes a number of programs that benefit people with low and moderate incomes, including:

• "Making Work Pay" tax credit
• Expansion of the Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit
• $8000 first-time homebuyer credit
• Increased tax credit for college tuition, fees, and books
• $250 one-time payment for recipients of SSI, Social Security, Railroad Retirement, and veterans' disability/pension
• SNAP food stamps increase
• Increased and extended unemployment benefits
• COBRA subsidy

The new COBRA subsidy lowers the cost of employer group health insurance for people who lose their jobs and continue their coverage. The subsidy covers 65% of COBRA monthly health insurance premiums for unemployed workers and their families. The subsidy is available to workers terminated from their jobs from September 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009.

At Dollar-a-Bag sites, shoppers can fill a grocery bag with fresh fruits and vegetables or fresh bread for a donation of $1 per bag. Dollar-a-Bag sites are located throughout the greater Boston area.

Read the January 2009 newsletter online and sign up to receive future editions by e-mail.

The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable federal tax credit for eligible tax filers who did not get an economic stimulus rebate check in 2008 or did not get their full rebate amount. Instructions for claiming the credit are included on 2008 federal income tax forms.

Citizens Energy will begin taking applications for the Oil Heat Program on January 19.

The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is offering energy assistance to households with incomes between 60% and 80% of the state median income. Each eligible household can get $300.

Homeowners eligible for the limited real estate tax deduction can use the Standard Deduction Worksheet included with Forms 1040 and 1040A to calculate the deduction. Homebuyers claiming the First Time Homebuyer Credit must file Form 5405 with their federal tax returns.

The Massachusetts Health Reform Act requires all adult Massachusetts residents to have health insurance if they can afford it. Residents without health insurance face a tax penalty.

Foreclosure prevention programs help Massachusetts residents who are in trouble with their home loans. Programs include:

• Foreclosure prevention counseling
• Mortgage loan modifications
• Mortgage refinancing programs
• Other options (short sale, deed in lieu, bankruptcy)

Massachusetts law protects the rights of tenants living in buildings that have been sold at foreclosure.

Emergency medical responders will not honor a 'Do Not Resuscitate' order in a non-hospital setting (such as a home) unless they are shown a Comfort Care (CC) / DNR Order Verification Form. Without the CC/DNR Verification Form, emergency responders, if called, are required to use CPR on patients in cardiac or respiratory arrest.

LIHEAP fuel assistance income limits for the 2008-2009 heating season have been increased to 60% of the Massachusetts state median income.

The new 2008 housing tax credits include a two-year limited property tax deduction for homeowners who do not itemize their deductions, and a temporary refundable tax credit for eligible first-time homebuyers.

MassResources.org now has a Resources for Ex-Offenders section that includes:

• Ex-Offender and Reentry Agencies
  Government and non-profit agencies that provide services to former prisoners living in Massachusetts
• Ex-Offender Programs
  Programs that provide life skills, job readiness, career counseling, job search, and transitional housing services for Massachusetts ex-offenders, including Dismas House, MAP, STRIVE, and One-Stop Career Center Ex-Offender programs
• How Do I ...?
  Answers to questions of concern to ex-offenders, such as "How do I get a copy of my CORI?" • "renew my driver's license?" • "get my birth certificate?" • "modify child support payments?" • "get free voicemail?" • "replace a lost Social Security card?"
• Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
  What is in a CORI, who can see your CORI report, how to seal or correct CORI records, how to get CORI help

Current and former TAFDC recipients who are transitioning from public assistance to work can get up to six months of free transportation services. Access to Jobs transportation options include public transportation, car ownership, and gas cards.

Food stamp households who are not getting public assistance may be eligible for an extra Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefit added to their food stamps EBT account each month. To qualify, households must include a dependent child under 18 and at least one parent/caretaker relative who is working.

In addition to Legal Services Programs, Online and Hotline Legal Help, and Legal Help for Immigrants, MassResources.org now has information about:

• Health Law Advocates
  A small non-profit law firm that helps people who have legal problems concerning health insurance or medical care
• Harvard Legal Aid Bureau
  A student-run non-profit law firm that provides free legal services to low income residents of Suffolk and Middlesex counties
• Children's Law Center of Massachusetts
  A non-profit law firm that gives free legal services to low income children, and also provides information for parents, advocates, school personnel, and service providers
• HIV/AIDS legal services
  Agencies that provide free legal advice and representation for civil legal matters related to HIV status

MassResources.org now has Español and Português autotranslation links on all web pages. The autotranslation is done by Google Translate, a machine translation system developed by Google using statistical learning techniques.

Massachusetts residents living with HIV/AIDS can get help from a wide range of government and non-profit agencies and programs. MassResources.org now has an HIV/AIDS resources section that includes:

• HIV/AIDS Programs and Services
  HIV Drug Assistance Program • HIV case management services • nutrition services • acupuncture treatment • peer support • mental health services • legal assistance • Enhanced Medical Management Services • Comprehensive Home-Based Medical Care • HIV Dental Ombudsman Program • HIV/AIDS housing • other support services
• HIV/AIDS Agencies and Hotlines
  Statewide and local agencies, community health centers, and hotlines offering services for Massachusetts residents living with HIV/AIDS
• General Benefit Programs
  Programs not specifically for people with HIV/AIDS, but often with special benefits or eligibility rules for people with HIV/AIDS
• How Do I ...?
  Answers to questions of interest to people living with HIV/AIDS, such as "How do I get life insurance?" or "How do I make a living will?" or "How do I pay for hospice care?"
• HIV Prevention and Education
  Information about prevention and education services to help reduce the number of new HIV infections
• HIV Testing
  Why, when, how, and where to get tested for HIV in Massachusetts
• Other HIV/AIDS web sites

MassRelay is a free easy-to-use service that allows people with text-based TTY phones to have telephone conversations with people who use standard phones. Massachusetts residents with permanent disabilities who need specialized telephone equipment can get free or reduced cost equipment from the MassEDP Equipment Distribution Program.

All children in Massachusetts, including homeless children, undocumented children, and children with disabilities, have the right to free public education. Massachusetts public school children have several school options. They can attend local or regional schools in their home districts, independently run charter schools, or out-of-district schools through the "school choice" program. Other public school options include vocational technical high schools, the METCO program for students in Boston and Springfield, and the Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science.

Kindergarten attendance is not mandatory in Massachusetts. However, Massachusetts regulations require all public school districts to offer free kindergarten that is at least a half-day program. Some cities and towns offer a free full-day kindergarten program. Other cities and towns offer a full-day program, but charge a fee for the second half of the day.

Early Intervention (EI) is a program to help infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have developmental delays or are at risk. Early Intervention teams work with children and their families to determine what services are needed and the best way to provide those services. Services may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, family counseling, psychological services, nursing care, and other specialty services. Early Intervention services are free for Massachusetts families with limited incomes.

Many low and middle-income households, seniors, and disabled veterans are eligible to get federal income tax rebates later this year:

• Single filers with 2007 adjusted gross income below $75,000 can get rebates up to $600.
• Joint filers with income below $150,000 can get rebates up to $1200.
• Higher income filers may get partial rebates.
• Parents can get an additional $300 rebate per dependent child.
• Seniors and disabled veterans who do not owe any taxes but have at least $3000 in income can get rebates of $300 per person ($600 for couples).

You do not have to apply for these rebates, but you must file a 2007 federal tax return.

In this issue: Foreclosure Prevention • Energy Assistance Updates • Health Insurance Updates • Food Stamps Online Application • New! Building Assets • Financial Programs. We invite you to join the MassResources.org mailing list to receive future issues by email.

MassSAVE is an energy program for Massachusetts residents who want to save money by making their homes more energy-efficient. MassSAVE has information about free home energy assessments; energy-saving products; and rebates, loans, and other incentives for energy conservation.

Citizens Energy now offers an online application for its Oil Heat Program. The online application is a fast, easy way for families with Internet access to apply for assistance. The Oil Heat Program gives eligible families a voucher worth 100 gallons of home heating oil.

Anyone can now apply for food stamps using the Virtual Gateway online food stamp application. Food stamp applicants can access the online application from any computer with Internet access. The DTA will contact online applicants for an interview and proofs.

The MassHealth Dental Program pays for checkups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, braces, dentures, and other necessary dental services for MassHealth members. Dental Customer Service at 1-800-207-5019 will help members find a dentist and set up an appointment.

Massachusetts residents can get free or low-cost banking services from "18-65" accounts and Basic Banking programs. "18-65" accounts are free personal savings and checking accounts for minors under 19 and seniors 65 and older. Basic Banking offers savings and checking accounts that require only a small initial deposit and have low monthly fees.

Credit counseling programs give free advice to people who are in debt or have questions about their finances. People who need help paying off their debts can enroll in a low-cost debt management plan.

Health care providers can submit a Prescription for Transportation (PT-1) to get free van/taxi service for MassHealth patients who cannot use other transportation. MassHealth members who use private or public transportation can get reimbursed for travel costs. Travel must be to/from medical appointments covered by MassHealth.

An Individual Development Account (IDA) is a special matched savings account to help low-income families put money aside for homeownership, education, a small business, or other approved use. For every dollar a family deposits in its IDA account, the IDA program puts in one or more matching dollars.

Massachusetts residents can build assets by managing their money, buying a home, getting more education, claiming the earned income credit, training for a job, and investing their money wisely. MassResources.org now has a Building Assets section with resources to help residents become financially independent.

The Health Safety Net Fund replaced the Uncompensated Care Pool (Free Care) on October 1, 2007. The Health Safety Net helps Massachusetts residents who do not have access to affordable health coverage, or who face medical hardships.

HUD updated the Fair Market Rents used in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, effective October 1, 2007.

The food stamp income limits, allotments, standard deductions, the maximum shelter deduction, and the standard utility allowances were updated, effective October 2007 through September 2008.

H-EAT is a special fuel assistance program for food stamp households who do not pay a separate heating or cooling bill. Households in the H-EAT program usually get increased food stamp benefits and are eligible for discount rates from their utility companies.

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary five-year program for families with Section 8 vouchers. The main goal of the program is to help families get good jobs and earn enough money so they do not need public cash assistance. If the family’s income increases during the program, the family does not pay more rent. Instead, the rent increases that the family would normally have to pay go into the family's special FSS savings account.

Massachusetts workers seeking jobs and employers seeking workers can get help at the state-funded One-Stop Career Centers. There are 32 One-Stop Career Centers in Massachusetts.

Low-income families with overdue gas or electric bills can get financial help from utility arrearage programs. Two programs are available for eligible Massachusetts families: the state-funded RAFT program, and utility company arrearage management programs. Benefits include debt forgiveness, affordable payment plans, budget counseling, and energy efficiency programs.

Families who need short-term financial help to prevent homelessness can find out about RAFT. RAFT helps families who are behind on rent, mortgage payments, or utility bills. RAFT also helps families who have to move but do not have enough money to pay a security deposit, utility startup costs, or first/last month’s rent. Funding for RAFT is limited. When funds are available, each family can get up to $3000.

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Massachusetts youths between the ages of 14 and 21 from low-income families can find out how to apply for summer jobs though the YouthWorks program. Priority is given to at-risk youths.

Massachusetts homeowners at risk of foreclosure can find out where to get help. Foreclosure prevention programs offer negotiation and refinancing, financial counseling, and legal assistance. Services are free at HUD-approved agencies.

Store owners who want to accept food stamps can find information about eligibility, how to apply, rules, and EBT, in the new MassResources.org Store Owner's Guide to Food Stamps. Includes links to download the application.

Commonwealth Choice enrollment began on May 1, 2007. Commonwealth Choice is the new "good value" unsubsidized health program for uninsured Massachusetts adults who don't qualify for MassHealth or Commonwealth Care. MassResources.org has updated information about Commonwealth Choice health plan options, benefits and costs, and how to enroll.

Frail seniors and people with disabilities are being given more options for staying at home, rather than going to nursing facilities. MassResources.org now has a Home Care Programs section with information about these options.

Some families pay a monthly premium for CMSP, while other families do not pay a premium. Most services require a small co-payment. Monthly premiums and co-payments are based on income, with the highest income families paying the most. The four income categories for CMSP have been updated, based on percentages of the 2007 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).