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MassLegalHelp
@masslegalhelp.bsky.social
100 followers 55 following 96 posts
Explaining Massachusetts non-criminal law in plain language. By legal aid programs. https://www.MassLegalHelp.org
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masslegalhelp.bsky.social
It is illegal for your gas or electric company to turn off your services if you need them for heat between October 27 and April 1 and you cannot afford to pay your bills.

Learn more: www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...

Article by @nclc4consumers.bsky.social and @masslawreform.bsky.social
Graphic with a yellow text box at the top that says “Can I stop my heat from getting shut off this winter?” To the left, there is an image of a purple apartment building. To the right, there is text that says “Learn about the October 27 - April 1 winter moratorium in Massachusetts.” Text at bottom reads: MassLegalHelp.org. Our content is written and reviewed by legal aid programs, lawyers, and community partners.
November 13, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Reposted by MassLegalHelp
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GBLS' new LGBTQ+ Family Law Project is here to help! Please contact our Family Law Unit if you need assistance with any of the matters below.
November 6, 2025 at 6:59 PM
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📢Massachusetts Bar Association Dial-A-Lawyer is TOMORROW!☎️ @massbar.bsky.social

On the first Wednesday of the month, between 5:30 and 7:30 PM, you can call volunteer lawyers and get free legal advice. Call (617) 338-0610 or (877) 686-0711.

For more information: www.massbar.org/public/dial-...
Screenshot of Dial-A-Lawyer webpage
November 4, 2025 at 5:58 PM
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The Department of Children and Families must give people with disabilities an equal chance to benefit from its programs and activities.

Read more at MassLegalHelp:
www.masslegalhelp.org/children-fam...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “Disability rights with DCF.” Below the title is a text box that reads “If you have a disability, DCF must provide “reasonable accommodations” that focus on your needs.” Image in the center is an adult sitting in a wheelchair while a child sits in their lap and they’re reading a book together. Text at bottom reads: “Learn more at MassLegalHelp. Our content is written and reviewed by legal aid programs, lawyers, and community partners.”
October 17, 2025 at 6:27 PM
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Do you have a plan for your children if you are suddenly detained by ICE?

Work with a student attorney from Harvard Legal Aid Bureau in Cambridge to talk through your options and make a plan.

📞Contact HLAB: 617-495-4408 or hlabfamilypreparedness@lists.law.harvard.edu
Você tem um plano para seus filhos caso seja detido repentinamente pelo ICE? Emergência Planejamento Familiar. Trabalhe com um advogado estudante do Harvard Legal Aid Bureau para discutir suas opções e elaborar um plano. Nossos serviços são gratuitos e forneceremos informações e suporte para preencher os documentos legais necessários, incluindo autenticação gratuita em cartório. Contate-nos: 617-495-4408, hlabfamilypreparedness@lists.law.harvard.edu Family silhouette image. Flyer reads: Do you have a plan for your children if you are suddenly detained by ICE? Work with a student attorney from Harvard Legal Aid Bureau in Cambridge to talk through your options and make a plan. Services are free. HLAB will provide information and support to fill out legal documents, including free notarization. Contact HLAB: 617-495-4408 or hlabfamilypreparedness@lists.law.harvard.edu Volante: ¿Tiene un plan para sus hijos si de repente usted es detenido por ICE? Planificación Familiar de Emergencia. Trabaje con un abogado estudiantil de laOficina de Ayuda Legal de Harvard paraanalizar sus opciones y elaborar un plan.Nuestros servicios son gratuitos yproporcionaremos información y apoyo paracompletar los documentos legales necesarios,incluyendo la notarización gratuita. Contáctanos: 617-495-4408, hlabfamilypreparedness@lists.law.harvard.edu
October 16, 2025 at 6:55 PM
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If you have told your landlord in writing about a problem in your apartment and they refuse to make repairs, you have the right to take action.

Learn more about your rights at MassLegalHelp: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “Getting a landlord to make repairs.” Below the title is a text box that reads “sets minimum requirements for housing. For example, all rental housing must have heat, hot water, and electricity.” Image in the center is a person attempting to fix a washing machine that is leaking water. Text at bottom reads: “Learn more at MassLegalHelp. Our content is written and reviewed by legal aid programs, lawyers, and community partners.”
October 3, 2025 at 7:47 PM
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If you’re selected for a Section 8 Voucher, learn what steps to take next.
www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “Using a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher.” Below the title is a text box that reads “When you first get your Section 8 voucher, the housing agency should tell you: how much time they are giving you to search for a place to live ("search period") and how to ask for extensions.” Image in the center is a person reading a document. Text at bottom reads: “Learn more at MassLegalHelp. Our content is written and reviewed by legal aid programs, lawyers, and community partners.”
October 1, 2025 at 5:50 PM
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When someone starts a case against you in Probate and Family Court, they file a paper called a Complaint. You may wish to file an “Answer.” An "Answer" is your response to the Complaint that the plaintiff filed.

Learn more at MassLegalHelp. www.masslegalhelp.org/children-fam...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “How to Answer a Complaint in Probate and Family Court.” Below the title is a text box that reads “An Answer is your response to the Complaint that the plaintiff filed when they start a case against you in court.” Image in the center is a person reading through documents. Text at bottom reads: “Learn more at MassLegalHelp. Our content is written and reviewed by legal aid programs, lawyers, and community partners.”
September 29, 2025 at 5:23 PM
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You can ask for replacement SNAP if you lost food that you bought with SNAP because of a flood, fire, or lack of electricity. To apply, report to the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) within 10 days of the food loss.

Learn more at MassLegalHelp.
www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...
This image is a flyer with information about Replacement SNAP Benefits for food loss in Massachusetts.
September 26, 2025 at 7:36 PM
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Adult Foster Care (ACF) caregivers - if you are low income, you may be eligible for SNAP and you have the choice to exclude ACF members in your SNAP household. Apply through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).

Learn more at MassLegalHelp.
www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...
This image is a flyer with information about SNAP Food Benefits and Adult Foster Care in Massachusetts.
September 25, 2025 at 3:34 PM
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If you are a college student eligible for SNAP, you may get up to $292 per month for food. Students with spouses or children may be eligible for more. You can apply through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).

Learn more at MassLegalHelp. www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...
This image is a flyer with information about SNAP Food Assistance For College Students in Massachusetts. This image is a flyer with information about SNAP Food Assistance For College Students in Massachusetts.
September 24, 2025 at 2:38 PM
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Thank you, @bostonlegalaid.bsky.social and @bostonglobe.com, for sharing MassLegalHelp's tenant resources! Learn more about your rights here: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing.../t...
September 22, 2025 at 9:23 PM
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As a renter in Massachusetts, some of your rights depend on the kind of tenancy you have and the kind of housing you rent. You also have certain rights no matter what type of tenancy you have.

In English: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

En español: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “What type of tenancy do I have?” Image in the center is a person with question marks over their head, and a document next to them that says “lease agreement.” Text at bottom reads: Learn more at MassLegalHelp.org. Gráfico con un recuadro azul en la parte superior con el texto "¿Qué tipo de arrendamiento tengo?" La imagen en el centro es una persona con signos de interrogación sobre su cabeza y un documento al lado que dice "lease agreement.” El texto inferior dice: Aprenda más en MassLegalHelp.org/es.
September 11, 2025 at 2:57 PM
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If you feel that you've been discriminated against by a real estate agent or a landlord, there are steps that you can take and organizations that may be able to help you. Learn more on MassLegalHelp.

In English www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

En español www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “How can I protect myself against discrimination when looking for an apartment?” Image in the center is a piece of paper with the word “law” written at the top of it and a gavel at the bottom. Two people are on either side of the paper, one person wearing a hijab and the other person in a wheelchair. Text at bottom reads: Learn more at MassLegalHelp.org. Gráfico con un recuadro azul en la parte superior con el texto "¿Cómo puedo protegerme contra la discriminación al buscar un apartamento?" La imagen del centro muestra un trozo de papel con la palabra "ley" escrita en la parte superior y un mazo en la inferior. Dos personas están a cada lado del papel: una lleva hiyab y la otra va en silla de ruedas. El texto inferior dice: Aprenda más en MassLegalHelp.org/es.
September 9, 2025 at 1:54 PM
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When looking for a place to live, it's important to understand how landlords do tenant screening and what rights you have. Find out what laws landlords must follow to accept or reject you as a tenant.

In English www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

En español www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “Tenant Screening.” Image in the center is a person who is wearing a backpack and standing next to moving boxes as someone hands them a set of keys. Text at bottom reads: Learn more at MassLegalHelp.org. Gráfico con un recuadro azul en la parte superior con el texto "La selección de inquilinos." La imagen en el centro muestra a una persona que lleva una mochila y está de pie junto a unas cajas de mudanza mientras alguien le entrega un juego de llaves. El texto inferior dice: Aprenda más en MassLegalHelp.org/es.
September 5, 2025 at 1:22 PM
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Are you having a problem with your neighbor? Visit MassLegalHelp for a list of some steps you can take to solve the problem.

In English: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

En español: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “What can I do if I am having a problem with my neighbor?” Image in the center is a couple in their bedroom being disturbed by a dance party happening in the apartment above them. Text at bottom reads: Learn more at MassLegalHelp.org. Gráfico con un recuadro azul en la parte superior con el texto "¿Qué puedo hacer si tengo un problema con mi vecino?". La imagen del centro muestra a una pareja en su dormitorio, interrumpida por una fiesta en el apartamento de arriba. El texto inferior dice: Aprenda más en MassLegalHelp.org/es.
September 3, 2025 at 1:31 PM
masslegalhelp.bsky.social
When you are renting a home in Massachusetts, you may have a lease or contract. Learn more about what should and should not be included in your lease agreement.

In English: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

En español: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “What should be in my lease?” Image in the center is a person with question marks over their head, and a document next to them. Text at bottom reads: Learn more at MassLegalHelp.org. Gráfico con un recuadro azul en la parte superior con el texto "¿Qué debe figurar en mi contrato de arrendamiento?". La imagen central muestra una persona con signos de interrogación sobre la cabeza y un documento junto a ella. El texto inferior dice: Aprenda más en MassLegalHelp.org/es.
September 2, 2025 at 4:52 PM
masslegalhelp.bsky.social
Are you looking for an apartment? Here are some things to know and do before you agree to rent an apartment:

www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar... (English)

www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-... (español)

Our content is written and reviewed by legal aid programs, lawyers, and community partners.
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “What should I do before I move into an apartment?” Image in the center is a house with a paper checklist in front of it being inspected by a magnifying glass. Text at bottom reads: Learn more at MassLegalHelp.org. Gráfico con un recuadro azul en la parte superior con el texto "¿Qué debo hacer antes de mudarme a un apartamento?". La imagen del centro muestra una casa con una lista de verificación impresa frente a ella, que se inspecciona con una lupa. El texto en la parte inferior dice: Aprenda más en MassLegalHelp.org.
August 28, 2025 at 6:40 PM
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Tenants - learn how to protect your security deposit in Massachusetts. Find out what laws landlords must follow. Get your deposit back when you move.

In English: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

En español: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “How can I protect my security deposit?” Image in the center is a person holding cash in one hand and a laptop in their other, and a mobile phone opened to a banking app screen next to them. Text at bottom reads: Learn more at MassLegalHelp.org. Gráfico con un recuadro azul en la parte superior con el texto "¿Cómo puedo proteger mi depósito de seguridad?". La imagen del centro muestra a una persona con efectivo en una mano y una laptop en la otra, y junto a ella un teléfono móvil abierto con una aplicación bancaria. El texto en la parte inferior dice: Aprenda más en MassLegalHelp.org/es.
August 27, 2025 at 7:19 PM
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Planning to move out of your apartment? Get our move-out checklist on MassLegalHelp.

In English: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...

En español: www.masslegalhelp.org/es/vivienda-...
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “How can I get ready to move out of my apartment?” Image in the center is a person holding boxes with a moving truck next to them. Text at bottom reads: Learn more at MassLegalHelp.org. Gráfico con un cuadro azul en la parte superior con texto que dice «¿Cómo puedo prepararme para mudarme y dejar mi apartamento?» La imagen del centro muestra a una persona sosteniendo cajas con un camión de mudanzas a su lado. El texto en la parte inferior dice: Aprenda más en MassLegalHelp.org/es.
August 21, 2025 at 8:34 PM
masslegalhelp.bsky.social
Attention, families getting TAFDC! The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) pays a $500 clothing allowance for each child in the family who gets TAFDC. This year’s payment will go out on Aug 29th.

Learn more: www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...
This image is a flier with information about the 2025 TAFDC September Clothing Allowance. Learn more at https://www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benefits-ssi/tafdc/what-tafdc-september-clothing-allowance
August 19, 2025 at 8:48 PM
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Starting August 1, 2025, a new law makes clear that landlords cannot require tenants to pay broker fees in Massachusetts.

➡ Learn more & get flyers in 9 languages: www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apar...
Screenshot of flyer
August 4, 2025 at 4:22 PM
masslegalhelp.bsky.social
"Red cards" can help you tell an immigration officer (ICE) that you are using your rights. Show the card to the officer or slide it under the door.

Download and print “red cards” in 19 languages: www.ilrc.org/red-cards-ta...

Translations made possible with the support of the Boston Bar Foundation.
Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas | Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend them...
www.ilrc.org
July 10, 2025 at 4:20 PM
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Are you a worker on strike? Learn about the eligibility rules for SNAP food benefits and how your income gets counted while you are striking: www.masslegalhelp.org/public-benef...
Screenshot of first page of flyer Screenshot of second page of flyer. Logo for MLRI, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute.
July 9, 2025 at 5:35 PM
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Wage laws cover ALL workers. Your immigration status does not matter.

Learn how to get help if your employer is not following the law in Massachusetts: www.masslegalhelp.org/employment-u...

Translations made possible with the support of the Boston Bar Foundation.
Graphic with a blue box at the top with text that says “Know your rights as an undocumented worker!” Image in the center is a server setting up a restaurant table. Text at bottom reads: Learn more at MassLegalHelp.org.
July 8, 2025 at 8:40 PM