Home › Massachusetts › How-To Guide
Massachusetts · How-To Guide

How do I find and access senior services?

Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) - regional level / Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs - EOEA (state level) / Municipal Council on Aging (city or town level)
Details

What you need to know

Fee
Most COA and ASAP services free or sliding scale; MassHealth services free for qualifying individuals ONLINE OPTION: Yes - mass.gov/elders; masshealth.ehs.mass.gov; 211ma.org WHERE TO GO: Your local Council on Aging / Senior Center; regional ASAP; 2-1-1 Massachusetts; EOEA
Online Option
Yes - mass.gov/elders; masshealth.ehs.mass.gov; 211ma.org
Where to Go
Your local Council on Aging / Senior Center; regional ASAP; 2-1-1 Massachusetts; EOEA
Massachusetts Notes

Important state-specific details

  • COUNCILS ON AGING (COAs): Every Massachusetts municipality has its own COA - this is a uniquely Massachusetts-strong institution; COAs are often the first and best local resource for seniors.
  • SHINE PROGRAM: Massachusetts's free Medicare counseling - available through ASAPs and some Senior Centers; statewide; contact EOEA or your regional ASAP for a SHINE counselor.
  • HOMESTEAD: Massachusetts offers a $500,000 homestead declaration protecting primary residence equity against most creditors (not a property tax exemption); record at Registry of Deeds.
  • PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS: Massachusetts cities and towns may offer local property tax exemptions for seniors 70+ (CL. 59 §5 Clauses 17-17E); income and asset limits apply; apply at local Board of Assessors by April 1 each year.
  • SENIOR CIRCUIT BREAKER: Massachusetts income tax credit (Schedule CB) for seniors 65+ paying more than 10% of income in property taxes or rent - file with state income tax return; up to $2,590 (2025 amount).
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse at (800) 922-2275 (APS 24-hour hotline).
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) - mass.gov/elders | (617) 727-7750 | 1-800-243-4636 (Elder Affairs Hotline); SHINE Medicare: 1-800-243-4636; APS: (800) 922-2275; 2-1-1: dial 211