Social Security Office – New Bedford

53 North 6th Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 999-3101

Social Security and Medicare Benefits (framingham)

1 Clarks Hill Suite 305, Framingham, MA 01702 1-844-587-1390/1-800-325-0778

Metrowest Legal Services

63 Fountain Street, Suite 304, Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 620-1830 / 1-800-696-1501
Website: http://www.mwlegal.org/
Free legal services to low-income clients from 36 area towns. They handle housing evictions, domestic violence, and government benefit appeals, and they represent children with special needs. They do not handle criminal cases or lawsuits. Portuguese and Spanish translators.

Metrowest Mediation Services

600 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 872-9495
Website: http://www.metrowestmediationservices.org/
Impartial assistance in resolving serious disputes arising out of personal, family, social, and business relationships. Separation and divorce mediation also available.

Registry of Motor Vehicles

611 Main Street, Worcester, MA

(857) 368-8000

Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm

Thursday: 10-6:00 pm

Friday-9-5pm

Services:

• All license, registration & title transactions, license plate returns, learner’s permit testing and Class D road tests. Class M road tests at Millbury Park & Ride.

• Written tests for Class D or M given 9:00 am–4:00 pm (10:00 am–5:00 pm on Thursdays for branches with extended hours).
• Written tests for Class A, B, or C given 9:00 am–3:00 pm (10:00 am–4:00 pm on Thursdays for branches with extended hours).
• Road Tests offered between 9:00 am–5:00 pm.
• Operating RACE unit serving insurance agents and car dealers for bulk registration paperwork.

City Clerk

City Hall Room 206
455 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 799-1121, Fax: (508) 799-1194
Email: clerk@worcesterma.gov
Office Hours: Monday 8:45:00 am–5:00 pm,
Tuesday–Friday 8:45:00 am–4:15:00 pm

Services: Birth Certificates, Marriage Licenses, Voter Registration

The City Clerk is elected by the City Council and is the keeper of the City records entrusted to his care. The Clerk, when requested, attests to the validity of City records. These include records of birth, marriage, death, residency, ordinances, City Council actions, voter and business registration and many others.

In addition, the City Clerk acts as the Clerk of the City Council by preparing the agendas for their meetings and those of the Standing Committees of the City Council. The Clerk’s signature is required for all actions of the City as to orders, ordinances and appropriations.

Finally, the City Clerk provides operational and administrative support to the Board of Election Commissioners.

Mass Legal Help

MassLegalHelp.org is one of three statewide websites that make up the Massachusetts Legal Websites Project. The project is a collaborative effort of the civil legal aid community of Massachusetts. We are funded by Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation.

Other websites included in this project are:

• MassLegalServices.org offers resources about legal issues facing lower-income Massachusetts residents to advocates and social service professionals; and
• support to other legal services programs across the state with their websites.

The mission of MassLegalHelp.org is to improve access to justice for low income and disadvantaged persons through innovative use of the Web.  We are working to  connect, support, and educate advocates and the general public. The content of the website is written by people within the legal services community.

http://www.masslegalhelp.org/

BAR None

Dismas House
Post Office Box 30125
Worcester, MA 01603

cmdismashouse@aol.com

(508)799-9389

Services: The BAR None program offers legal assistance to citizens with criminal records by addressing civil matters that hinder successful reintegration into the local community. Legal assistance is provided free of charge.

This program addresses this need by assisting clients directly with representation, either by the advocate, or by matching clients with volunteer attorneys to handle issues most commonly encountered by recently re-entered individuals.  Referrals to the program are made by local re-entry service providers in partnership with Dismas House to ensure on-site legal support.  All assistance is provided free of charge.

BAR None director and attorneys (10-15 mentors and attorneys) will assist with the following legal issues:

• Suspended driver’s license
• Credit issues
• Child support issues
• Child custody/visitation issues
• Disability
• Sealing of criminal record

BAR None will provide:

• Community outreach for referrals from the network of shelters, housing providers and correctional agencies.
• Recruitment and management of volunteer attorneys to represent former offenders
• Project management team under the direction of the Dismas Staff Attorney and co-executive director to ensure goals are met and progress is tracked.
• Project coordination under Dismas Staff Attorney to manage  client referrals and intakes for representation on either brief or full case representation
• Management of a pool of pro-bono attorneys dedicated to resolving unmet needs for this population and matching clients to pro bono attorneys
• Provide malpractice insurance at no cost to volunteer attorneys
• Refer only cases that have been screened for eligibility and legal merit
• Refer cases to attorneys based on their expressed areas of interest
• Take volunteers’ schedules and other time commitments into account
• Supply backup support, case materials, access to interpreters/translators, and other service providers.
• Provide administrative assistance such as photo copying to attorneys.
• Assist attorneys with the Limited Assistance Representation process.

Community Legal Aid

405 Main Street, 4th Floor
Worcester, MA 01610
(508) 752-3718

Services:

Offers legal advice and representation to clients with domestic violence, divorces, child custody, mental health and disability issues, denied benefits, welfare and public benefits as well as housing discrimination.   

EPOCA (Ex-Prisoners and Prisoners Organizing for Community Advancement)

5 Pleasant Street, 3^rd floor, Worcester, MA 01609
(508) 410-7676 / (508) 459-0558

Cori

Services:
CORI information and referral, assistance with sealing CORIs, leadership development. Ex-prisoners and c urrent prisoners, along with allies, friends and family, working together to create resources and opportunities for those who have paid their debt to society

exprisoners.org

CORI

For information about the new CORI Law that went into effect May 2012, and how to seal your CORI record, please visit: massresources.org/cori.html and workforcecentralma.org/additional-programs/re-entry

It is recommended that you seal your record if possible. Most employers will not be able to view a sealed record on your CORI report.

EPOCA (Ex-Prisoners and Prisoners Organizing for Community Advancement)
4 King Street, Worcester, MA 01610
(774)420-2722
exprisoners.org
Services: Ex-prisoners and current prisoners, along with allies, friends and family, working together to create resources and opportunities for those who have paid their debt to society

Workforce Central
44 Front Street, #600, Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 799-1600
Services: Program designed by workforce development professionals and former offenders to create opportunities for people to prove themselves

*Information provided by EPOCA and the Workforce Central Career Center

Budgeting, Credit Repair and Identity Theft

What is a Credit Report?

A credit report contains information about your credit history and the status of your credit accounts. This information includes how often you make your payments on time, how much credit you have, how much credit you have available, how much credit you are using, and whether a debt collector is collecting on any debt you owe. Credit reports also can contain public records such as liens, judgments, and bankruptcies that provide insight into your financial status and obligations.

Lenders use these reports to help them decide if they will loan you money, what interest rates they will offer you, or to check the status of an existing loan. Companies can purchase these consumer credit reports to help inform them while making a wide range of business decisions such as providing or pricing insurance; renting you an apartment; and (if you agree to let them look at your consumer report) making employment decisions about you. Credit reporting companies (also known as credit bureaus or consumer reporting agencies) compile these reports.

How do I get a copy of my Credit Report?

Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get a free copy of your credit report, technically known as a “file disclosure” from the nationwide credit reporting companies. You can receive a free credit report once every 12 months:

• By phone: Call 877-322-8228
• Online: Go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com
• By mail: Download and complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

No matter which method you choose, you have the option to request reports from the nationwide credit reporting companies at once or one report at a time. By requesting the reports at the same time, you can determine whether any of your files have errors. By requesting the reports separately, you can monitor your credit file more frequently throughout the year. Your free credit report does not include a credit score. You are also eligible for free reports from nationwide specialty consumer reporting companies.

Be aware that there are many websites that claim to offer free credit reports. A number of these sites will only give you a free report if you buy other products or services. Still others give you a free report and then bill you for services you have to cancel. To get the free credit report authorized by law, go to AnnualCreditReport.com, and nowhere else.

Budget and Credit Repair

Go to http://www.justice.gov for an approved list of credit counseling agencies

American Consumer Credit Counseling

179 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 316-2195 or 800-769-3571
Services: personal and financial counseling, debt management and budget training

Money Management International (MMI)
340 Main Street, #813, Worcester, MA 01608
(866) 226-0278
Services: Personal and financial counseling, repayment programs, debt management and housing advising services

Neighborworks Homeownership Center
138 Green Street, Suite 4, Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 791-2170 x226
Services: Budget and credit counseling

RCAP Solutions
12 East Worcester Street, Worcester, MA 01604
800-488-1969
Services: Budget and credit counseling

The Major Credit Bureaus:

Transunion
1-800-680-7289
http://www.transunion.com

Equifax
1-800-525-6285
http://www.equifax.com

Experian
1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
http://www.experian.com

Identity Theft

Identity theft is the stealing of someone’s personal information and using it to commit fraud or theft.

If you’re a victim of identity theft or think you may be:

–    Contact the fraud departments of each of the 3 major credit bureaus

–    Contact the security or fraud departments at each of your creditors, and follow up with a   letter

–    File a report with the police reporting the theft/fraud

For Help with Identity Theft:

The Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Hotline
1-877-438-4338
Or visit http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft

BAR None – Credit Reports and Identity Theft.
Visit http://www.dismasisfamily.org/programs/bar-none/ for more information.

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281 Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

License and Identification

City Clerk
City Hall, 455 Main Street, Room 206, Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 799-1121 / (508) 799-1133 (elections)
Services: Birth certificates, marriage licenses, voter registration

Registry of Motor Vehicles
611 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
(857) 368-8000
Services: Obtain or replace driver’s license or Mass ID, pay court fees and taxes, renew registrations.

Social Security Administration
51 Myrtle Street, Worcester, MA 01608
1-866-331-9069
Services: Obtain or replace social security card.

BAR None
Services: License Suspension, Revocation and Reinstatement.
Visit http://www.dismasisfamily.org/programs/bar-none/ for more information.

Workforce Central Worcester

44 Front Street, 6th floor
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 799-1600 / (508) 799-8000

Services:
Through the Job Seekers services Workforce Central Worcester is there to provide assistance to those who are beginning their work history or those who are looking for a new job.  They provide job training and financial aid is available to assist clients in their career path.  The program also operates a Youth Services and Veterans Services division.

Eligibility:

Workforce Central Career Centers can provide financial assistance for re-training to eligible applicants  18 years and over, you must reside or have been currently laid off their service area.

To participate in the program you will be asked to provide two documents:

1.  Proof of Age in the form of a birth certificate or other legal document that contains your date of birth
2. Work Authorization, this can be a copy of your passport, birth certificate or alien resident card indicating right to work.

New Leaf Program

Services:
This program has been designed by job experts and ex-offenders to help clients land the job that they want.  The first step is to apply for the Career Center Seminar, in which the client will have the opportunity to meet with job-readiness expert and talk about history and develop career goals.

Youth Services

Services:
Assistance with work readiness and job search assistance, work experience in the form of internship opportunities, training, counseling and mentoring.  Career development is also available with adult mentoring and follow-up services. Additional Youth Services include GED preparation, MCAS preparation and summer youth employment.

Veterans Services

Services:
Veterans receive top priority services.  Clients have the opportunity to meet with a Veterans’ Representative that will provide job assistance. Additionally they  can offer job leads, career planning, career training, resume services,use of personal computers, internet access, workshops and ongoing support, community outreach and other veterans’ resources.

Unemployment Insurance 

Services:

Walk-in customers may use the dedicated UI Online computer stations on a first-come, first-serve basis. Basic computer skills are needed for you to enter all personal and confidential claim information yourself when using the Online system.

Stop by the front desk to sign up. UI Online computer stations and printers are available Monday through Thursday, 8:45:00 am–3:00 pm and Fridays, 9:30 am–3:00 pm. If you require assistance to fill out this application, please be advised that staff are available on the following days and times: Monday through Thursday, 8:45:00 am–3:00 pm and Fridays, 9:30 am–3:00 pm.

Older Worker Services

Services:
Offers mature workers assistance in re-employment, including coaching and counseling, internships, job referrals, on-the-job training at non-profit and government agencies and much more. To participate you must first attend a Careers Services Seminar and then ask for a referral.

Social Security Administration

51 Myrtle Street, Worcester, MA 01608
1-800-772-1213 / (508) 753-4105
http://www.ssa.gov

Cash Assistance

Supplemental Security Income
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. Persons age 65 and older that meet the financial criteria are eligible regardless of disability status.

Supplemental Security Disability Income
The Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI) program is a federal insurance program that protects workers who become totally disabled and cannot work for a year or more.

Legal Groups

Community Legal Aid
405 Main Street, 4th Floor, Worcester, MA 01610
(508) 752-3718
Services: Offers legal advice and representation to clients with domestic violence, divorces, child custody, mental health and disability issues, denied benefits, welfare and public benefits as well as housing discrimination.
Fitchburg Satellite office (by appointment)
76 Summer Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
General Inquiry: (508) 752-3718

Basic Advocacy for Reentry (BAR None)
30 Richards Street, Worcester, MA 01603
(508) 799-9389
Services: Education, advisement or direct representation for issues such as suspended drivers licenses, credit issues, child support issues, housing, child custody and visitation, disability claims and sealing of criminal record.

Mass Legal Help
Website: http://www.masslegalhelp.org
Services: Provides legal information regarding housing law, SSI and disability family law and domestic violence.

MetroWest Legal Services
63 Fountain Street, Suite 304, Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 620-1830/ 1-800-696-1501
Website: http://www.mwlegal.org/

MetroWest Mediation Services
94 Lincoln Street, Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 872-9495
Website: http://www.metrowestmediationservices.org/