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FAQ
Boards & Commissions
How can I submit an application to serve on a state board or commission?
How can I apply for a one-day license to officiate at a wedding ceremony?
How can I become a Notary Public?
How can I become a Justice of the Peace?Business & Economy
How can I find a state job in government?
Does the state offer special assistance to minority owned businesses?Education
Who can I contact with questions regarding the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship?
When will the Common Core standards be adopted and who can I contact if I have questions regarding their implementation?
Who can I contact in regards to an existing bullying problem in my school district?
Who can I contact in regards to financial aid for me or one of my family members?
I am a student and am interested in interning in Governor Patrick's Office. How can I apply for an internship?Federal Government
How can I obtain assistance with my immigration status?
Who can I contact regarding issues with my Social Security or Medicare?
Health & Human Services
How do I apply for Food Stamps?
Who can I contact about affordable health insurance plans?
How can I apply for MassHealth?
Who can I contact about child support?
Who can I contact if I feel I am the victim of discrimination?
Who can I contact if I want to report elder abuse?
What resources are available to seniors in the Commonwealth?
Housing
How can I apply for fuel assistance?
How can I apply for Section 8 Housing?
Who can I contact regarding home foreclosure?
What resources are available to help Massachusetts residents who are seeking housing assistance?
What resources are available to help Massachusetts residents who are struggling with rent payments?
How can I apply for public housing assistance?Governor’s Office
How can I contact the Governor’s Press Office?
How can I invite Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Murray or the First Lady to my event?
How do I request a proclamation, citation, greeting letter, grant letter, Eagle Scout/Girl Scout letter, photograph or autograph?
How do I request a flag flown over the State House for a special occasion?Labor and Workforce
How can I get information on filing for unemployment benefits?
How can I get information on filing for workers compensation?
Where can I learn about rules governing the health and safety of my workplace or report unsafe working conditions?
How can I find help getting a job or enrolling in a training program in my community
Who can I contact if I am having problems filing my unemployment claim?Legal & Judicial
How can I get a pardon or commutation?
How can I address concerns about my criminal record?
Who do I contact regarding the actions of a judge?
Who do I contact with a complaint against a State Police Officer?
The Governor is a lawyer. Can he help with my case?
Revenue & Consumer
Who can I contact regarding issues with my state taxes?
Who can help me regarding an issue with my phone, cable or electric provider?
Where can I make a consumer complaint?Transportation
How can I make a comment regarding the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority?
Who can I contact to resolve issues with the Registry of Motor Vehicles?
I've noticed trash on the side of one of the highways, who can I contact?
How can I find the locations and times of planned or current construction projects on our roadways?
Where can I find information regarding the new regulations pertaining to the use of civilian flaggers and police details on state-operated roads?State Government
How can I check the status of a bill before the Legislature?
Who are my state representative and senator?
Veterans
What is the Welcome Home Bonus?
Is there financial assistance available for veterans?
I am having difficulty obtaining assistance, is there someone I can contact who will advocate on my behalf?
How can I apply for any education benefits or scholarships?
Where can I find help finding employment or job training?
I have a question about my pension benefits, who can I contact?
Are there any specific resources for women veterans?
How can I submit an application to serve on a state board or commission?
To be considered for one of the many boards and commissions, please send a cover letter and your resume to:
Office of the Governor
State House
Room 280
Boston, MA 02133
Attn: Appointments OfficeHow can I apply for a one-day license to officiate at a wedding ceremony?
Please visit our site regarding One Day Marriage Designations . The website contains the application form and a list of procedures for receiving an authorization to solemnize a marriage. Applications, along with a letter of recommendation and a $25 processing fee, make checks payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, should be sent to the Appointments Office. While every effort will be made to process applications on time, please send your application at least six weeks prior to the proposed wedding date. For additional questions call the Appointments Office at (617) 725-4055.How can I become a Notary Public?
To apply for a commission as a Notary Public, please fill out the following Notary Public Application and mail it to the Governor’s Council. For more information and the Executive Order pertaining to Notaries, please visit the Notary Public page .How can I become a Justice of the Peace?
Please contact the Governor’s Council office at (617) 725-4015.How can I find a state job in government?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has many exciting employment opportunities throughout state government. Please visit the Commonwealth Employment Opportunities website to search the latest position openings.Does the state offer special assistance to minority owned businesses?
The Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) , formerly known as State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA), continues its rich and long tradition of service to minority and women owned businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To find out more or to register with SDO, please call (617) 973-8692.Who can I contact with questions regarding the John & Abigail Adams Scholarship?
Please direct all questions to the Board of Higher Education at 617-994-6950 or the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 617-727-9420.When will the Common Core standards be adopted and who can I contact if I have questions regarding their implementation?
The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted unanimously to adopt the Common Core standards in English and Math in July after a comprehensive 13-month development and review process. All districts will be expected to align their curricula to the new standards by the start of the 2012-2013 school year. The Department is providing outreach and technical assistance to districts as they being the process for adapting their local curricula. If you have any specific questions regarding the implementation, please visit the Common Core Standards webpage or contact the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at (781)338-3000.
Who can I contact in regards to an existing bullying problem in my school district?
The best place to start is with the principal of the school. The principal is in charge of the daily operations of the school and should be the first point of contact. The next contact is the school district’s superintendent. Local law enforcement authorities should also be involved depending on the situation. If you are still unable to resolve the issues with the local officials, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Program Quality Assurance unit (PQA) takes calls on any number of issues families and others are having with their school districts through their Problem Resolution System. For more information, please call 781.338.3700.
Who can I contact in regards to financial aid for me or one of my family members?
Please visit our list of financial aid resources.
I am a student and I am interested in interning in Governor Patrick’s Office? How can I apply for an internship?
Please visit our Internship Program page to find out more about available opportunities and qualification requirements:
You may also contact the Governor’s Office Internship Coordinator, Lauren Feltch, at 617-725-4010.
How can I obtain assistance with my immigration status?
Governor Patrick appreciates how difficult immigration matters can be for you and your family. Unfortunately, the Governor’s Office does not have the level of immigration expertise to advise you or advocate on your behalf. We encourage you to speak to an attorney or legal aid organization for further assistance. You can also contact our senators in Washington, DC.Who can I contact regarding issues with my Social Security or Medicare?
Unfortunately, because these are federal government programs, Governor Patrick is unable to assist with these issues. We encourage you to contact Senator Warren, Senator Cowan or your United States Representative.Senator Elizabeth Warren
2400 JFK Federal Building
15 New Sudbury Street
Boston, MA 02203
Phone: 617-565-3170
2 Russell Courtyard
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202-224-4543Senator William "Mo" Cowan
One Bowdoin Square
Tenth Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-565-8519
Fax: 617-248-3870Congressman Richard Neal
2208 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-5601
Fax: 202-225-8112
Congressman James P. McGovern
430 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-6101
Fax: 202-225-5759
Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy, III1218 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-5931
District Offices:
Attleborough: 508-431-1110
Newton: 617-332-3333Congressman John F. Tierney
120 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-8020
Fax: 202-225-5915
Congressman Edward J. Markey
2108 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-2836
Fax: 202-226-0092Congressman Michael F. Capuano
1232 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-5111
Fax: 202-225-9322
Congressman Stephen F. Lynch
235 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202-225-8273
Fax: 202-225-3984Congressman William Keating
315 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Washington, DC Office: 202-225-3111
Quincy District Office: 617-770-3700
Cape & Islands District Office: 508-771-0666Congresswoman Niki Tsongas
1607 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-3411
Fax: 202-226-0771How do I apply for Food Stamps?
This is a program for families and individuals who meet certain income and resource guidelines. To apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps, you may fill out the local Department of Transitional Assistance Office that serves your city or town.Once the application is received, you will be contacted by a DTA staffer and an interview will be conducted, usually over the phone. For more information about the SNAP program, please call the Department of Transitional Assistance at 1-800-249-2007.
Who can I contact about affordable health insurance plans?
Governor Patrick is actively involved with implementing the new landmark mandatory health care law. The Commonwealth Health Connector was established to help you find the right health plan for you, your family or employees. If you have a question about picking a plan, developing a payment schedule or general questions, call the Connector at 617-933-3140 or visit the Health Connector website.How can I apply for MassHealth?
MassHealth offers benefits to a wide range of people who meet eligibility rules, including family size and income. If you are under age 65 and want to apply for MassHealth, you must fill out an application called a Medical Benefit Request (MBR) and send it, with proof of your household’s income, to MassHealth. A Medical Benefit Request can be downloaded here. If you are aged 65 or older or if you are any age and need long-term-care services, you need to ask for different application called the Senior Medical Benefit Request (SMBR) for Seniors and People Needing Long-Term-Care Services. A Senior Medical Benefit Request can be downloaded here. All applications can be requested and sent to you by calling the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 1-800-841-2900. All applications can be sent to:MassHealth Enrollment Center
Central Processing Unit
P.O. Box 290794
Charlestown, MA 02129-0214
For questions regarding general eligibility, benefits, enrolling into a health plan and dental benefits, please call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 1-800-841-2900.Who can I contact about child support?
Governor Patrick is concerned about the welfare of all children of the Commonwealth. The Child Support Enforcement Division of the Department of Revenue provides a range of services to custodial parents or guardians of children under the age of 18 to help ensure they receive financial support from absent parents. Please contact the Child Support Enforcement Division at 617-660-1234.
Who can I contact if I feel I am the victim of discrimination?
Please contact the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination regarding all discrimination issues. Please visit the Commission Against Discrimination online or by calling 617-994-6000.Who can I contact if I want to report elder abuse?
To report elder abuse please call the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275 (V/TDD)
What resources are available to seniors in the Commonwealth?
Various programs are available through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. To inquire about existing programs and eligibility requirements, please contact the benefits line in the Office of Elder Affairs at 1-617-727-7750.How can I apply for fuel assistance?
To apply for fuel assistance, please call the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program at 1-800-632-8175. LIHEAP assists eligible low-income individuals and families with the cost of heating their homes during the winter season. For further information and a list of community energy assistance agencies, please visit the LIHEAP's Cold Relief website.How can I apply for Section 8 Housing?
The Section 8 Housing program is a federal government program providing financial aid to help low-income people rent apartments. To apply for a Section 8, please contact your local housing authority. Find a list of housing authorities here or call the Department of Housing and Community Development at 617-994-8200. The Governor’s Office cannot influence the Section 8 application or approval process in any way. If you need immediate, temporary housing, please contact DHCD at 617-573-1100.Who can I contact regarding home foreclosure?
If this is an emergency and you are facing foreclosure on your home within 5 business days, please contact the Division of Banks at 617-956-1501.For other foreclosure issues, please call the NeighborWorks’ HOPE Hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE (4673). Counselors on the HOPE Hotline are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to advise you on the resources available to Massachusetts homeowners. Additional resources can be found on the Foreclosure Resources webpage.
In addition, on August 7, 2010, Governor Patrick signed into law An Act Relative To Mortgage Foreclosures. The Act addresses six separate and distinct purposes relating to foreclosures and mortgages. For more information, please visit the Division of Bank's FAQ page.
What resources are available to help Massachusetts residents who are seeking housing assistance?
There are different types of low cost housing such as subsidized rental housing, public housing and homeownership opportunities for low–income, first time homebuyers. Many of these housing units are subsidized by the federal government, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or non profit or community organizations. Please visit the DHCD website for more information about how to get various types of housing assistance.
What resources are available to help Massachusetts residents who are struggling with rent payments?
Rental assistance programs provide financial aid to help low-income persons rent apartments other than apartments in public housing developments. There are several types of rental assistance in Massachusetts. The three largest programs are: The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), and the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP). The federal government funds the Section 8 assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Commonwealth funds the MRVP and AHVP programs. For more information on rental assistance n your area, please contact the Regional Housing Network’s toll free number at 800-224-5124 or visit the DHCD website.
How can I apply for public housing assistance?
Public housing provides low cost housing to families, senior citizens and people with disabilities in 252 cities and towns in Massachusetts. To find out if you qualify for public housing and to reach a Local Housing Authority in your community, please visit DHCD’s website.
How can I contact the Governor’s Press Office?
To reach the Governor’s Press Office, please call 617-725-4025.How can I invite Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Murray or the First Lady to my event?
All scheduling requests must be made in writing to the Scheduling Office. Please visit our scheduling requests page .How do I request a proclamation, citation, greeting letter, grant letter, Eagle Scout/Girl Scout letter, photograph or autograph?
Please see our recognition request guidelines .I would like for a flag to be flown over the State House for a special occasion. How can I request this?
Please contact the Governor’s Office at 617-725-4005 or make your request in writing to constituent.services@state.ma.us.
How can I get information on filing for unemployment benefits?
There are two ways to file an unemployment insurance claim: by telephone or in person. By phone, you can call the Department of Unemployment Assistance ’s TeleClaim Center at 1-877-626-6800 if you are calling from the following area codes: 351, 413, 508, 774, and 978. If you call from any other area code, please call the TeleClaim Center at 617-626-6800. For hearing impaired customers, the TTY/TTD: 1-888-527-1912If you choose to do so, you may file your claim in person at a Walk-In Center. Please visit the Department of Unemployment Assistance for a list of Walk-In Centers and hours of operations.
Who can I contact if I am having a problem filing my unemployment claim?
If you have questions regarding the status of your claim contact the DUA Problem Resolution Unit at 617-626-6800. If you are experiencing a problem with your claim and have not been able to resolve it, please call 617-626-5400.
How can I get information on filing for workers compensation?
If you have been injured on the job and would like to file for workers compensation, you should contact the Department of Industrial Accidents by telephone at 617-727-4900, extension 470 for the Public Information Desk. Also, a please visit the online guide for injured workers for more information.Where can I learn about rules governing the health and safety of my workplace or report unsafe working conditions?
If you have concerns about workplace safety and health programs, please contact the Division of Labor Standards by telephone at 617-626-6975. For more information, please visit the Division of Labor Standards website.How can I find help getting a job or enrolling in a training program in my community?
One-Stop Career Centers provide access to a wide variety of services including computerized listings of jobs, referrals to jobs, current labor market information, job search resources and workshops. For more information, please contact the Department of Workforce Development at 617-626-5300 or visit the Department of Career Services website.How can I get a pardon or commutation?
In order to be considered for a pardon
file size 2MB
or
commutation
, you are required to submit a petition to the Governor’s Council. An executive clemency overview , including petitions for pardons and commutations, is available online, or can be mailed to you by contacting the Governor’s Council at 617-725-4015. All questions regarding the clemency process and petition status should be directed to either the Governor’s Council or to the Advisory Board of Pardons at 508-650-4542.How can I address concerns about my criminal record?
For concerns regarding your criminal record, please visit the Criminal History Systems Board website or call them at 617-660-4600.Who do I contact regarding the actions of a judge?
Governor Patrick has no role in issues relating to judicial conduct. If you have a concern in this area, you may contact the Commission on Judicial Conduct at 617-725-8050.Who do I contact with a complaint against a State Police Officer?
To file a complaint regarding allegations of misconduct against a State Police Officer, please contact the Division of Standards and Training within the Department of State Police. That office can be reached at (508) 820-2300. Alternatively, you may contact the Civil Rights Division in the Attorney General's Office at (617) 727-2200, or fill out a civil rights complaint form here.The Governor is a lawyer. Can he help with my case?
While Governor Patrick is an attorney, his role as Governor prevents him from becoming involved with citizens’ private legal matters. If you need legal assistance, please visit the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation.Additionally, if you have concerns about the behavior of a specific attorney, you can contact the Board of Bar Overseers at (617) 728-8700.
Who can I contact regarding issues with my state taxes?
Issues with state taxes should be directed to the Department of Revenue's Taxpayer Assistance hotline at 617-887-6367.Who can help me regarding an issue with my phone, cable or electric provider?
You can reach the Consumer Division of the Department of Telecommunications & Cable at 617-305-3531.What state agency helps consumers make complaints?
The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation serves as an informational resource to consumers throughout the Commonwealth. The office can assist consumers with their inquiries and direct them to the appropriate resources. The office can be reached at (617) 973-8787.
In addition, the Attorney’s General Consumer Protection Bureau receives, processes, and mediates citizen complaints. To file a complaint, obtain a form directly from the office. There are several regional offices; call 617-727-8400 for the nearest location.How can I make a comment regarding the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority?
Issues regarding the MBTA can be directed to their Complaints/Commendations line at 617-222-5215.Who can I contact to resolve issues with the Registry of Motor Vehicles?
Issues with the RMV should be directed to the Ombudsman’s Office at 617-973-7777. Alternatively, you can call the RMV’s main number at 1-857-DOT-8000/857-368-8000 or visit the RMV website.I've noticed trash on the side of one of the highways, who can I contact?
Massachusetts has hundreds of highways and roads criss-crossing our state. The care for these roads fall under different jurisdictions. If you believe your road is local, we encourage you to contact your city or town department of public works. For issues with the Massachusetts Turnpike and all major interstate highways and roads, please call the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) at 617-973-7800. The Department of Conservation & Recreation is responsible for the maintenance of Boston metropolitan roadways and state bridges, including Storrow Drive, Memorial Drive and Soldiers Field Road, and the MetroParkway system. They can be reached at 617-727-1058. If you have questions or are unsure who oversees a particular road, please call MassDOT at 617-973-7000. If you are interested in the Adopt-a-Highway program, please call them at 617-973-7755 or visit the Adopt-a-Highway website.Where can I find information regarding the new regulations pertaining to the use of civilian flaggers and police details on state-operated roads?
The EOTPW began work on the road flagger and police detail reform on the same day it was signed into law by Governor Patrick (Apr. 17, 2008) through formation of an internal working group made up of Highway safety, construction, and maintenance experts. For more information about the guidelines and regulations please see the MassDOT Highway flaggers page.
How can I check the status of a bill before the Legislature?
Bill histories can be found at the Legislative Tracking System website.Who are my state representative and senator?
To find your legislator, visit My Election Information, sponsored by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Alternatively, you can view legislators by town on the General Court page.What is the Welcome Home Bonus?
The Welcome Home Bonus is available to veterans who live in Massachusetts for six months immediately prior to entering the armed forces, engaged in active service on or after September 11th, 2001 and were honorably discharged. Veterans with active service in Iraq or Afghanistan are eligible for $1,000 bonus. Veterans with six months active service within the U.S. or in foreign countries are eligible for $500 bonus.If you have any questions regarding veterans’ benefits, or would like to apply for the Welcome Home Bonus, we encourage you to contact your city or town’s Veterans Agent. Please visit the Department of Veterans Services website for a list of local Veterans Agents or call Veterans’ Services at 617-210-5480.
Is there financial assistance available for veterans?
Massachusetts has a long standing commitment to veterans dating back to the Revolutionary War. Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws, the Commonwealth provides financial and medical assistance for indigent veterans and their dependents. Qualifying veterans receive necessary financial assistance for food, shelter, clothing, housing supplies and medical care. Eligible dependents of deceased veterans are provided with the same benefits as they would were the veteran still living.
For an application, contact your local veterans’ agent. Please visit the Department of Veterans Services website for a list of local Veterans Agents or call Veterans’ Services at 617-210-5480.I am having difficulty obtaining assistance, is there someone I can contact who will advocate on my behalf?
The SAVE (Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment) program advocates for veterans who are not able to obtain the benefits they have earned due to institutional or personal barriers. SAVE acts as a liaison between veterans and their families and the various agencies within the federal and state governments. The SAVE Program also helps veterans with positive transitions back to civilian life.
To contact the SAVE Program, click here, call them at 1-888-844-2838 or by email at save@massmail.state.ma.us.How can I apply for any education benefits or scholarships?
Veterans can be eligible for a tuition waiver at any state-supported course in an undergraduate degree program offered by a public college or university. To be eligible, a veteran must also be a legal resident of Massachusetts and he/she must not be in default of any federal student loans.
For more information about financial assistance for education available to veterans, contact by phone at 617-994-6914 or at the Massachusetts Office of Veterans’ Education website.Where can I find help finding employment or job training?
The Veterans Employment Training Services (VETS) program is provided with grant funding from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The grant allows the Department of Career Services to provide Disabled Veteran’s Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veteran Employment Representatives (LVERs) at One-Stop Career Centers across the state.
The purpose of the VETS grant is to ensure the provision of a full range of employment and training services to veterans. Since veterans are given priority of service status under the law, it is particularly important for LVERs and DVOPs to be connected with all veterans coming into the Career Centers.For more information about the VETS program, please contact the Department of Career Services at 508-890-3232 or by visiting their website.
I have questions about my pension benefits, who can I contact?
Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited or no income, and who are ages 65 or older, or, if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. These are benefits that are paid in addition to the basic pension rate.
To apply for the VA Non-Service Connected Pension (VANSCP), we encourage you to contact your city or town’s Veterans Agent. Please visit the Department of Veterans Services website for a list of local Veterans Agents or call Veterans’ Services at 617-210-5480.Are there any specific resources for women veterans?
The Women Veterans' Network of the Department of Veterans' Services is the central resource for women veterans in the Commonwealth. The Network provides women veterans with information on federal, state, and local benefits; expands awareness of the needs of women veterans and identify available health and human resources to meet those needs; and advocates on behalf of women veterans in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To contact the Women’s Veterans’ Network, click here or please call 617-210-5781 or email DVSWomen@vet.state.ma.us
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