The Institute of Student Loan Advisors Corporation (TISLA) was founded to ensure that all student loan borrowers have access to free, neutral and clear student loan advice and dispute resolution assistance. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit who believes that these borrowers have a right to a trusted resource with industry experience to mentor, educate and advocate for them. Student loan borrowers have a right to such a resource without being charged a fee, barraged with advertisements or forced to provide personal information that may later be sold.

Our goal is to help you help yourself. We are not here to manage your student loans for you, but to give you expert advice and help you to manage them successfully. We will offer fair, neutral advice that outlines what you are eligible for that is in line with current regulation and statute.

To visit our website scan the code or go to https://freestudentloanadvice.org/

TISLA QR code

You can also view our informative webinars sponsored by MassHire Cape and Islands Career Center and the Cape Cod Foundation.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

WATCH THE ‘PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS’ WEBINAR

Managing Your Loans During Periods of Unemployment

Understanding Consolidation and Refinancing of Student Loans

Community Action Committee of Cape Cod and Islands

Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands, Inc. (CACCI) provides a variety of services to low-income individuals and families in the areas of access to public health insurance and care; childcare subsidy and provider support services; immigration services; emergency shelter; SNAP benefits assistance: and free tax preparation during tax season and holiday programs during the months of November and December. For assistance contact them at 508.771.1727.

Free Tax Preparation

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

Both Federal and Massachusetts (State) 2020 Tax Returns prepared by IRS Certified Tax Preparers who will help you claim your tax credits including:

  • Earned Income Credit 
  • Child Tax Credit 
  • Child and Dependent Care Credit 
  • Education Credits

For more information contact:

Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands (CACCI)

508-771-1727 ext. 200

Need Health Insurance?

Open Enrollment Extended to March 23, 2021

The Massachusetts Health Connector is the state’s Marketplace for health and dental insurance. Before your get started, be sure to check the Help Center for information, guides, and where to find free, in-person help near you.   For more information visit:

https://www.mahealthconnector.org/about/contact

Mass Internet Connect Program

Financial Assistance

Members will be assisted in determining their potential for obtaining publicly funded, fee-based services and financial aid at MassHire. This program is available for unemployment claims made by workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. To make a claim, individuals can either do so in person at MassHire or by telephone at (877) 626-6800.

TAFDC:

  • Provides cash benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of factors such as disability. Certain income and asset limitations apply.
  • Provides Food Stamp benefits to improve the nutritional levels of individuals and households. Certain income and asset limitations apply.
  • Is available to certain families with dependent children and to pregnant women to assist with rental arrearages, to prevent homelessness, or to provide emergency shelter. Certain income and asset limits apply.
  • Additional benefits through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for qualified Massachusetts residents.

This program is accessed through DWD and administered by the Department of Medical Security for the unemployees who meet certain eligibility requirement.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

This allows an individual receiving unemployment compensation to continue to do so while participating in an approved training program.

WORK SHARING PROGRAM:

This program allows employers to reduce the work week in lieu of a layoff and provides benefits to affected workers.

FEDERAL BONDING PROGRAM:

Bonding coverage available to qualified job applicants who could not otherwise obtain it.

VETERANS WORKFORCE INVESTMENT PROGRAM (VWIP):

This is a statewide program that addresses the unique needs of veterans seeking employment, training, job counseling and related services and to develop and promote maximum employment opportunities for eligible veterans.  Job Training funds may be available for eligible veterans. See our VETERANS SERVICES page for additional information.

Veteran Services

MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATIONAL REWARDS GRANT PROGRAM:

Provides financial assistance to dislocated or low-income incumbent workers to enable them to receive education to transition into jobs in targeted high demand occupations. This need-based grant program is to serve as a last resort after all other federal and state grant resources have been exhausted in meeting post-secondary education enrollment costs. The Educational Rewards Grant Program also allows up to thirty percent of the grant amount to be used by the recipient for living expenses. For full details, please CLICK HERE.