RAFT
RAFT
To learn more about the RAFT program, visit: Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program | Mass.gov
Click below for a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the RAFT program:
For Landlords/Property Owners
The RAFT application system requires both a tenant application and a landlord application for tenants who are requesting rental assistance. Landlords and property owners can (a) begin the RAFT application process for their tenants who may need to request financial assistance for overdue rent OR (b) complete the application once the tenant has submitted their application.
To begin the landlord/property owner application process, you must first register an account as a new user if you have not already done so here: User Registration (mass.gov)
Your account must have info entered for the Payee, Properties, and Payment Methods sections on your profile before you can apply.
Once a landlord/property owner has an account, you can apply here: Home (mass.gov) If your tenant has already completed their application at the time you are submitting the landlord application, be sure to include the Tenant Application Code that you received in your email. Note that the Tenant Application Code is different from their Case ID.
For more guidance on how to apply and create a landlord profile, please utilize this reference guide: Housing Assistance Application Reference Guide (mass.gov)
For a list of landlords’/property owners’ Frequently Asked Questions, visit: download (mass.gov)
For other resources, including recordings of webinars about Landlord/Property Owner RAFT Application Portal, visit: RAFT Public Resource and Training Portal | Mass.gov
in Rental or Mortgage Assistance provided this year
individuals provided with Rental or Mortgage Assistance
applications submitted through our new online option
RAFT Maximum Annual Income Eligibility – Middlesex and Essex Counties
Annual Income Limits apply to the Merrimack Valley and include the following cities/towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Merrimac, Methuen, Newburyport, No. Andover, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, West Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury and Westford.
To be eligible for RAFT assistance, a household must:
-
Be a primary residence in Massachusetts currently renting.
-
Have a gross household income that is below 50% AMI (or 60% AMI for household at risk of domestic violence).
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All household must demonstrate one of the eligible housing crises.
- Notice to Quit
- Eviction
- Double up and must leave/overcrowding
- Health & Safety
- Domestic Violence
- Fire/Flood/Natural Disaster
- Utility Shutoff
- Other crisis that will result in imminent housing loss
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Annual Income Limit (50% AMI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $55,950 | $48,150 |
| 2 | $63,950 | $55,000 |
| 3 | $71,950 | $61,900 |
| 4 | $79,900 | $68,750 |
| 5 | $86,300 | $74,250 |
| 6 | $92,700 | $79,750 |
| 7 | $99,100 | $85,250 |
| 8 | $105,500 | 87,400 |
If you think you might be eligible for RAFT, complete the online Massachusetts Emergency Housing Payment Assistance Application.
You will need the following documents to submit your application:
- Photo ID (required in order to submit OR a copy of your birth certificate)
- ID for the head of household
- For households applying for assistance with rent arrears, a notice to quit or eviction notice/court summons is now required
- Proof of housing (for example a lease or mortgage)
- Proof of income (for example paystubs)
For landlords, a tenant consent form will be needed.
CTI cannot accept paper applications unless there are extenuating circumstances.
We do recognize there will be circumstances that someone will need a paper application however this has to be done through the Resource Center who is helping the RAFT program by discussing these circumstances with the client. When a client needs help completing a RAFT application because they do not have access to technology, we have staff who can assist them by appointment only. Clients must contact the Resource Center 978-459-0551 who will guide them in the right direction.
At this time, the MA Emergency Housing payment Assistance Application is not accepting applications from homeowners. Homeowners in need of mortgage assistance or other housing assistance may apply for the new Homeowner Assistance Fund (MA HAF) Program. Please visit this link to learn more about HAF and to see if you may be eligible. To apply to Mass HAF, visit www.massmortgagehelp.org.
Additional Resources:
- Click here to learn more about Emergency Housing Payment Assistance Programs
- Click here to learn more about submitting a complete application, eligibility and required documents
- Facing Eviction resources (financial/legal/mediation help)
151b LANDLORD LANGUAGE – DISCRIMINATION BY A LANDLORD IS PROHIBITED
Landlords should be aware that Chapter 151B of the Massachusetts General Laws prohibits discrimination by a landlord against any tenant receiving federal, state, or local housing subsidies, including rental assistance or rental supplements, because the individual is such a recipient.
A landlord’s refusal to accept emergency rental assistance, that covers the entire amount owed to the landlord, may, in some circumstances, constitute a violation of Chapter 151B. Landlords should consult their own legal counsel for advice before declining rental assistance that covers all outstanding rent arrears.
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