Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on the casino and racing workforce, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance.

*This list will be frequently updated as new information becomes available.

Updated on Thursday, April 9 at 1:30 p.m. 

Please note: Resources for small businesses can be found by clicking here.

Assistance for casino and horse racing workers include:

Employment Resources

Unemployment Assistance

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Unemployment Assistance, in coordination with the US Department of Labor (USDOL), are taking a series of actions to assist workers and employers. Visit the Department of Unemployment Assistance to learn more.

If you’re out of work and able to work, you may be eligible for temporary income called unemployment insurance (UI). If you qualify, you receive weekly payments to help cover your living expenses while you search for new employment. The amount you receive is based on what you were paid in the last year.

• File for Unemployment Benefits: The quickest way to file a successful unemployment claim is through the UI online portal which can be viewed here.
• Guide to Filing a New Unemployment Claim: Find a step-by-step guide to filing a new unemployment claim here.

Health and Dental Insurance

Massachusetts Health Connector, the state’s Marketplace for health and dental insurance, offers information and resources to those who have lost their coverage through their job.

Click here for insurance options for the unemployed.

Click here to watch a video about your options if you have recently lost health insurance.

Health and Medical Resources

If you have experienced a loss of wages due to the COVID-19 outbreak, you may be eligible for benefits with MassHealth, the Health Safety Net, or the Children’s Medical Security Plan.

To learn more about the programs and how to apply, visit this website or call 1.800.841.2900 or TTY: 1.800.497.4648.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved, in part, the Baker-Polito Administration’s waiver in order to fast-track MassHealth enrollment, streamline administrative requirements for providers and better deliver critically needed health care services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

United Way Prescription Drug Savings Card: The United Way offers a program, FamilyWize, to help families save on the cost of prescriptions. The prescription discount card is accepted at pharmacies nationwide, including major chains and independents. FamilyWize has partnered with these pharmacies to provide you with the lowest possible price on your prescription drugs. Learn more.

Resources for Renters and Homeowners

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD):  The DHCD is committed to supporting our families and residents through this uncertain time. Their website offers an informative list of resources for renters and homeowners. Learn more.

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program: New funding of $5 million enables the RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) program to create a special program for households facing instability as a result of a COVID-19 related housing crisis due to a loss of wages or increase in expenses (e.g., medical expenses).

The RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies caused by loss of income, increase in expenses, or both. RAFT assists households of all sizes and configurations with financial assistance up to $4,000 per household to help preserve current housing or move to new housing.

RAFT funding is distributed by our partner Regional Administering Agencies. All offices are operating remotely and will be able to take applications and questions. Find the regional list and contact information here.

Food Assistance

Project Bread: If you or someone you know living in Massachusetts needs food assistance, please refer them to Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline toll-free at 1-800-645-8333. This resource will remain up and running to assist all Massachusetts residents needing food assistance during this period of crisis. Project Bread will provide information about resources in your community as well as assist with SNAP applications over the phone. Learn more.

The Greater Boston Food Bank Initiatives: The Greater Boston Food Bank has various initiatives aimed at supporting families experiencing food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 shutdowns, such as fundraising and volunteering opportunities. Learn more.

Ethos: Ethos offers a number of programs and services to assist older adults through this crisis, including Meals on Wheels and Community Cafes for “Grab & Go” meals. Learn more

Relief Funds

MGM Resorts Emergency Employee Relief Fund: The MGM Resorts Emergency Relief Fund provides employees and their immediate families with short-term relief in making payments or to meet obligations during unexpected hardships and emergencies. MGM Resorts’ initial $1 million pledge will provide expanded coverage for the fund to assist those impacted by the coronavirus, including full-time employees, on-call employees and those facing layoff, separation or furlough. The fund has already raised millions from personal donations made by Bruno Mars, the estate of Kirk Kerkorian and Acting CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle.

Penn National Emergency Employee Relief Fund: Penn National has established a special COVID‐19 Emergency Relief Fund under the Penn National Gaming Foundation to provide assistance to team members and local relief organizations. The Company has initially raised more than $1.2 million from personal donations from our CEO Jay Snowden and senior management team, its Board of Directors, property general managers, and contributions from the Foundation and property employee assistance programs. Information on how to apply for assistance from the Emergency Relief Fund, the process for issuing grants, and how to donate to the Relief Fund through the Penn National Gaming Foundation will be available the week of April 6.

United Way COVID-19 Family Support Fund: The United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley has launched a COVID-19 Family Support Fund to provide financial support for working families impacted by the coronavirus public health emergency. A network of 20 community partner agencies in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire will help administer the fund, which will provide a one-time grant of $2,000 to help families pay for basic living needs.

In collaboration with the Department of Public Health, United Way’s Mass 2-1-1 statewide consumer hotline will provide consumer help during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Individuals can dial 2-1-1 for comprehensive information and referrals related to the virus, including information on where they can access flexible funds through the COVID-19 Family Support Fund. Learn more by visiting the United Way website or call 2-1-1.

United Way of Pioneer Valley: The United Ways of Pioneer Valley, Hampshire County, and Franklin County have established the COVID-19 Recovery and Relief Fund to provide aid and resources to those affected by the current public health emergency. Learn more or call 2-1-1.

Restaurant Strong Fund: The Greg Hill Foundation has teamed up with Samuel Adams to support those in the restaurant industry by raising awareness and funds to provide grants to full-time restaurant workers in Massachusetts who are dependent on wages plus tips to cover basic living expenses and provide for their families. Learn more.

Parenting Journey: Parenting Journey, non-profit serving families in need, recently launched the It Takes a Village Emergency Fund to provide parents and families with financial support for essential items. You can request a stipend to help ease some of the financial burdens you are experiencing during these unprecedented times. This money will be delivered in the form of an online gift card. Learn more.

Boston Music Maker Relief Fund: The Record Company’s Boston Music Maker Relief Fund provides financial relief to music makers in the Boston area experiencing lost revenue from gig cancellations resulting from coronavirus and COVID-19. Learn more.

Boston Artist Relief Fund: The City of Boston’s Artist Relief Fund will award grants of $500 and $1000 to individual artists who live in Boston whose creative practices and incomes are being adversely impacted by COVID-19. Learn more.

Crisis Loans- Capital Good Fund: Good Fund has developed the Crisis Relief Loan to help those financially impacted by Covid-19. This loan ranges from $300-$1500 with a 5% Annual Percentage Rate; has a fifteen-month repayment period with a special 90-day deferment payment period. There is also expedited loan application review. The Crisis Relief loan can be used for (but is not limited to) paying utilities, covering medical bills, paying rent, and purchasing groceries.  Learn more.

Eastern Bank Customers can access Consumer Impact Loan: The $2 million Consumer Impact Loan Fund will provide loans of up to $5,000 with no payments for the first three months, fixed rate of 3.99% thereafter.

For more information 1-800-EASTERN (327-8376), heretohelp@easternbank.com

Additional Important Resources

Massachusetts Department of Revenue: The DOR has issued a Technical Information Release (TIR 20-4) outlining state tax filing and payment relief:

-Postpones the due date for personal income tax filings and payments from April 15 to July 15.

-Waives certain late-file and late-payment penalties that apply to corporate excise returns and payments due April 15 that are filed and paid by July 15.

-Extends the due dates for the first and second installments of estimated personal income tax (originally April 15 and June 15) to July 15.

IRS Tax Deadline and Economic Impact Payments: The deadlines to FILE and PAY federal income taxes are extended to July 15, 2020.

The IRS has established a special section of its website focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. The distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment. Learn more.