The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Development has programs to help low income families facing financial hardship because of the COVID epidemic. The Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program assists renters with past due and future rent payments as well as past utility bills.

For those who aren’t eligible for the assistance described above, Massachusetts offers Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA). These programs provide assistance to households that are income eligible with up to $10,000 for past due rent, future rent, mortgage payments and utility bills. One application covers all three programs.

Landlords and renters who do not have formal lease agreements can use the Tenancy at Will form or other written documentation.

Click here to find your regional agency and the income eligibility limits for that region. You can also call 211 to get more information.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
To be eligible your household income cannot exceed 80% of the area median, and you must prove you have experienced financial hardship related to the COVID pandemic and be at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

How do I apply?
There is no fee to apply for the assistance, and free help is available if you need assistance completing the application. Contact your regional agency to apply for assistance.
Note to Boston residents: The federal government is providing funds to the State of Massachusetts and also to the City of Boston. Boston has its own program for its residents. If you are a resident of the City of Boston, you must apply for their program.

You cannot receive assistance from the state and the city currently.

Documents you will need to complete the application include:
1. Head of household identification that includes full address and date of birth (driver’s license, passport, birth certificate)
2. Proof the household is renting (lease or rental agreement, tenancy at will form, or tenancy agreement)
3. Proof of housing crisis (past due notice, eviction notice, notice to quit, court summons)
4. Income verification

  • If you receive benefits from MassHealth or the Department of Transitional Assistance, you are presumed eligible.

  • Provide income eligibility from one of the following: state housing vouchers (MRVP, AHVP, DMH, or DDS), Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Veterans Chapter 115, subsidized child care, public housing.

  • Submit tax form 1040 for 2020, two pay stubs from the past two months, newest benefits letter (Social Security, unemployment, child support)

FAQ


Does my landlord need to know I’m applying for assistance?
Yes. Your landlord will need to provide proof of ownership of the unit you live in and a W-9 for the owner or manager.

What happens if the landlord doesn’t give me the necessary information or refuses to participate?
You still have options. As of June 28, 2021, Regional Administering Agencies are allowed to make payments directly to renters. Contact your RAA for more information.

How is the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance program different from RAFT and ERMA?
1. The impact of COVID. Households are required to submit a statement attesting to unemployment, reduced income, significant cost, or financial hardship related to COVID. This can include job loss, reduction in hours, lost access to child care, or increased expenses. Documentation is not required.

2. Higher benefits and a longer financial time frame. Households may qualify for a maximum of 18 months for past due and future rent as well as a maximum of $2,500 for past due utility bills dating back to March 13, 2020.

With RAFT and ERMA, tenants can receive up to $19,000 during state of emergency and a maximum of $7,000 for six months following state of emergency.

3. Eligible with higher income. Tenants applying for assistance can have a household income of up to 80% of area median. If an adult household member has no income, it can be self-attested. No documentation is required.

With RAFT, the maximum income allowed is 50% of area median (60% for domestic violence). The ERMA limit is 80%.

4. Limits of use. Tenants may only receive assistance for rent and utilities dating back to March 13, 2020.

5. Tenant payments. Payments can be made directly to tenants if landlord is unresponsive after seven days to a certified mail notice with return receipt requested or after three telephone calls, texts, or emails over a five day period OR when the landlord submits a written statement affirming the choice not to participate.

Details on RAFT
The RAFT program helps households facing eviction, utility shutdowns, foreclosures, and other housing emergencies caused by income loss, expense increases, or both. RAFT provides a maximum of $10,000 per household for assistance staying in current housing or moving to new housing.

Details on ERMA
ERMA provides assistance for households affected by the crisis and not eligible for RAFT. Eligible incomes range from 50% to 80% of area median. ERMA provides a maximum of $10,000 for assistance with past due rent or mortgage payments dating back to April 1, 2020 as well as future rent and mortgage payments.