New Bedford
Ask about New Bedford
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for New Bedford and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in New Bedford
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
State office
Department of Transitional Assistance, New Bedford Office
16 Kilburn Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Help here
- SNAP and cash benefitsResidents can apply for SNAP, TAFDC, and EAEDC benefits or get help with an existing case.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Housing help · City office
New Bedford Housing Authority
128 Union Street, 4th Floor, New Bedford, MA 02740
Help here
- Public housing and rental assistanceResidents can apply for public housing and rental assistance through the Housing Authority.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on newbedfordhousingauthority.org
Older adults · City office
New Bedford Council on Aging
181 Hillman Street, Building 9, New Bedford, MA 02740
Help here
- Senior services and programsThe Council on Aging helps older residents find programs, benefits advice, and support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on newbedford-ma.gov
Jobs and training · Regional office
MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center
25 Elm Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Help here
- Job search and career servicesJob seekers can get help finding work, building skills, and accessing career services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on masshiregreaternewbedford.com
State office
New Bedford RMV Service Center
212 Theodore H. Rice Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02740
Help here
- Driver license and ID servicesResidents can complete eligible driver license, learner's permit, and ID transactions by appointment.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Library · City office
New Bedford Free Public Library
613 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Help here
- Library servicesResidents can borrow books and other materials and use library resources.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on newbedford-ma.gov
Parks and recreation · City office
New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches
181 Hillman Street, Building 3, New Bedford, MA 02740
Help here
- Recreation programsResidents can find and register for city recreation programs and activities.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on newbedfordma.myrec.com
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of New Bedford first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Food pantry
The Food Pantry at Harbor Health
Harbor Health
44 miles from the center of New Bedford10 Minot Street, Dorchester, MA 02122
Hours
- Tue8:30 AM to 3 PM (1st and 2nd and 3rd of the month). Clients may attend once per month
Who can come: All are welcome
What to bring: Register as a client. Calling ahead to register saves time.
Listed on hhsi.us, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
DotHouse Health Food Pantry
DotHouse Health
45 miles from the center of New Bedford1353 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02122
Hours
- Tue11 AM to 12 PM. Seniors
- Wed8 AM to 10 AM. Community pantry
Who can come: Dorchester and Mattapan residents
Listed on dorchesterhouse.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
The Centre Food Hub Food Pantry
The Centre for Faith, Art, and Justice
45 miles from the center of New Bedford3702 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Hours
- Tue12 PM to 5 PM
- Wed12 PM to 5 PM
- Thu3 PM to 6:30 PM
- Fri12 PM to 5 PM
- Sat11 AM to 2 PM
Who can come: Anyone who needs free groceries, as long as the pantry has capacity
What to bring: Sign up online
Languages: Spanish
Listed on thecentrejp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Yawkey Center Food Pantry
Catholic Charities Boston
45 miles from the center of New Bedford185 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02121
Hours
- Mon10 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 2 PM
- Tue10 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 2 PM
- Wed10 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 2 PM
- Thu10 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 2 PM
- Fri10 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 2 PM
What to bring: When possible, bring your name and address and the names and dates of birth of household members.
Listed on ccab.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Pilgrim Church's Food Pantry
Pilgrim Trinitarian Congregational Church
46 miles from the center of New Bedford540 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02125
Hours
- Wed11 AM to 5 PM. Or until food runs out
What to bring: Bring four bags or a carriage. Food is available once a month, but not two weeks in a row.
Languages: American Sign Language
Listed on pilgrimchurch1862.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
St. Mary's Episcopal Church Food Pantry
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
46 miles from the center of New Bedford14 Cushing Ave, Dorchester, MA 02125
Hours
- Tue9:30 AM to 11:30 AM (2nd and 4th of the month)
Who can come: All are welcome
Listed on stmarysdorchester.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve New Bedford
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
The Greater Boston Food Bank
70 South Bay Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
South Coastal Counties Legal Services
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC)
264 Griffin St, Fall River, MA 02724-2702
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofit
People Acting in Community Endeavors, Inc. (PACE)
166 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740-6022
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofit
Self-Help, Inc. (SHI)
45 Pearl St, Brockton, MA 02301-2858
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Bristol County
New Bedford is in Bristol County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Public health · State office
Fall River WIC Program
387 Quarry Street, Suite 101, Fall River, MA 02723
Help here
- WIC nutrition programEligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children can apply for food and nutrition support.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
State office
DTA Fall River Transitional Assistance Office
1567 North Main Street, Fall River, MA 02720
Help here
- Food and cash assistanceResidents can apply for food and cash benefits and get help with their DTA case.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Courts and legal help · State office
Bristol Law Library
9 Court Street, Taunton, MA 02780
Help here
- Legal research helpThe public can get help with legal research and use law books and online legal databases.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Bristol Aging & Wellness
1 Father DeValles Boulevard, Unit 8, Fall River, MA 02723
Help here
- Aging and caregiver supportOlder adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers can get help finding home care, meals, and other support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bristolaging.org
Older adults · Regional office
Coastline Elderly Services
863 Belleville Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02745
Help here
- Aging and caregiver supportOlder adults and caregivers in the New Bedford area can get help with home care, meals, and support services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on coastlinenb.org
Jobs and training · State office
MassHire Fall River Career Center
446 North Main Street, Fall River, MA 02720
Help here
- Job search and trainingJob seekers can get help with job searches, career advice, training, and workshops.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Massachusetts programs by kind of help
These are run by Massachusetts and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- Mass 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988