Unemployment Assistance

If you are unemployed and need assistance, you may be able to apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The following link has helpful information to get you started with the process.

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits

Congress recently passed the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020, which will provide additional unemployment assistance to Massachusetts workers during the pandemic. As of this time, the MA Department of Unemployment Assistance is working with the US Department of Labor to implement these changes. More information can be found by visiting this link:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/update-dua-issues-information-on-the-continued-assistance-for-unemployed-workers-act

If you think you may qualify for benefits but have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office for assistance.

Housing

MassHousing and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) provide a number of programs to expand the availability of affordable housing opportunities across Massachusetts, including rental and home purchases.

Here is a link to several sites for further information:

• MassHousing:  https://www.masshousing.com/
• Mass Housing Partnership: https://www.mhp.net/

Local Links:

• Barnstable Housing Committee
• Bourne Affordable Housing
• Sandwich Housing Authority

If you need help finding affordable housing resources, please feel free to contact my office for assistance.

Registry of Motor Vehicles

In Massachusetts, motor vehicle registration and driver licensing is conducted by the state Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Here are some links to helpful resources:

• Registry of Motor Vehicles Site:  https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles
  • How to renew your driver’s license: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-drivers-license
  • Vehicle registration: https://www.mass.gov/vehicle-registration
  • Identification requirements (“Real ID”): https://www.mass.gov/guides/massachusetts-identification-id-requirements
  • Learner’s Permits: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-passenger-class-d-learners-permit

If you need help with RMV issues, please feel free to contact my office for assistance.

Department of Revenue

The Department of Revenue (DOR) is responsible for overseeing taxation by the state and child support enforcement. Here is a link to their site:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-revenue

If you need help contacting DOR and finding answers to questions, please feel free to contact my office for assistance.

Children and Education

There are a variety of state agencies responsible for issues related to children and education. Here are several useful sites:

• Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF)
• Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
• Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Massachusetts (DESE)
• Department of Youth Services (DYS)

Local Links:

• Barnstable Public Schools
• Bourne Public Schools
• Sandwich Public Schools

If you need help with issues involving children and education, please feel free to contact my office for assistance.

Veterans and Families

If you are a veteran, first and foremost… THANK YOU for your service!

Massachusetts has a variety of programs that are available to assist veterans in our state. Here is a link to some helpful information:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-veterans-services

Local Links:

• Barnstable Veterans Services
• Bourne Veterans Agent
• Sandwich Veterans Services

If you are a veteran and you need help finding resources, please feel free to contact my office for assistance.

Seniors

The Executive Office of Elder Affairs promotes independence, empowerment, and well-being of older people, individuals with disabilities, and their families.

There are many different resources available, including assistance with housing and health care. Here is a link to the EOEA site for further information:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-elder-affairs

Local Links:

• Barnstable Council on Aging
• Bourne Council on Aging
• Sandwich Council on Aging

If you are a senior citizen or family member and you need help finding resources, please feel free to contact my office for assistance.