Massachusetts Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)

Program Overview

RAFT is Massachusetts’ primary safety net for renters and homeowners facing housing crises. Administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) via nine regional Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs), the program issues direct payments to landlords, mortgage servicers, or utility providers to prevent homelessness. Eligible households can receive up to $10,000 within a rolling 12-month period, covering rent arrears, future rent, security deposits, last month’s rent, or utility bills. RAFT operates alongside the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) successor funds and coordinates with HomeBASE for families in shelter.

Why RAFT Is Vital in 2025

Massachusetts continues to experience high housing costs, with Boston-area two-bedroom rents exceeding $3,200. The state legislature replenished RAFT with $180 million for FY2025, adding targeted set-asides for:

• Eviction Diversion: Priority processing for households with active eviction cases in Housing Court.
• Utility Arrears Relief: Dedicated funds to address rising winter heating debts due to volatile energy prices.
• Migrant and Refugee Households: Expanded eligibility for families in state-sponsored shelter hotels, ensuring they can transition to stable housing.
• Domestic Violence Survivors: Coordinated referrals from the Department of Public Health to expedite relocation assistance.

EOHLC also modernized the central application portal, allowing applicants to track status, upload documents, and receive text/email updates. Community partners like Metro Housing|Boston and Way Finders host weekly virtual clinics to guide applicants through the process.

Eligibility Details

1. Income Limits: Households must generally earn at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). In 2025, a Boston-area family of three must earn less than $62,450. Certain priority categories (domestic violence survivors, households facing health emergencies) may qualify up to 60% AMI.
2. Housing Crisis Criteria: Eligible situations include rent arrears leading to eviction, overcrowded or doubled-up living, substandard or condemned housing, unaffordable rent increases, utility shutoff notices, or imminent homelessness after leaving shelter.
3. Sustainability: Applicants must show a plan to maintain housing after assistance—proof may include new employment, rental vouchers, or ongoing subsidies (e.g., Section 8, MRVP).
4. Documentation: Required documents include photo IDs, Social Security numbers (if available), income verification (pay stubs, benefit letters), lease agreements, ledgers showing arrears, utility bills, and proof of crisis (eviction notices, inspection reports).
5. Prior Assistance: Households can receive multiple RAFT payments up to $10,000 in 12 months. Those who exhausted RAFT may apply for HomeBASE, LIHEAP, or local church funds.

Application Process

• Step 1: Pre-Screening: Complete the RAFT intake form at the statewide portal (apply.massra.org) or call 211. Answer questions about income, household composition, and crisis type.
• Step 2: Assign HCEC: The portal routes you to the regional agency (e.g., Metro Housing|Boston, RCAP Solutions, Community Teamwork). You receive login credentials to upload documents.
• Step 3: Document Upload: Submit proof of identity, income, housing costs, and crisis. Landlords must provide W-9, proof of ownership, and arrears ledger. Tenants can authorize information release.
• Step 4: Case Management: A housing specialist reviews documents, conducts phone interviews, and develops a sustainability plan. They may connect you to workforce programs or rental vouchers.
• Step 5: Approval & Payment: Once approved, RAFT issues payments directly to the landlord or utility within 14–21 days. Applicants receive confirmation via email/text.
• Step 6: Follow-Up: Some households sign stabilization plans requiring budgeting workshops or participation in financial coaching to prevent repeat crises.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Gather Documents Early: Create a digital folder with PDFs of IDs, pay stubs, benefits letters, and lease. Use smartphone scanning apps like Adobe Scan.
• Request Landlord Cooperation: Inform landlords about RAFT so they provide paperwork promptly. Offer to draft the landlord statement or connect them with HCEC staff.
• Demonstrate Sustainability: Provide offer letters for new jobs, child support agreements, or evidence of approved rental vouchers. Show a monthly budget illustrating future affordability.
• Leverage Legal Aid: If facing eviction, contact Greater Boston Legal Services or Volunteer Lawyers Project. They can negotiate payment plans and provide letters supporting the application.
• Combine with Other Aid: Apply concurrently for LIHEAP, Housing Choice Vouchers, or local church funds. HCECs prefer layered solutions that stabilize households long-term.

Preventing Delays

• Respond Quickly: Case managers often request additional documentation. Reply within 48 hours to keep your file active.
• Monitor Spam Folders: Portal emails sometimes land in spam. Add the agency’s domain to your safe list.
• Update Contact Info: If you change phone numbers or email addresses, update the portal immediately so you don’t miss approval notices.
• Check Portal Status: Log in weekly to view checklist items. Upload missing files directly rather than emailing staff.
• Attend Workshops: Some HCECs require budget coaching before disbursing funds. Completing sessions early avoids last-minute delays.

After You Receive Assistance

• Confirm Payment Receipt: Follow up with your landlord to ensure funds applied correctly. Request a written receipt or updated ledger.
• Adjust Budget: Use stabilization counseling to create emergency savings. Revisit spending categories (transportation, subscriptions) to free cash flow.
• Schedule Utility Audits: For households receiving utility aid, request Mass Save energy assessments to lower future bills through insulation, thermostats, or appliance upgrades.
• Understand Reporting Obligations: If you move or your income changes significantly, notify the HCEC if required by your stabilization plan.

Interaction With Other Programs

• HomeBASE: Families in Emergency Assistance shelters may transition to HomeBASE ($15,000 over two years) after RAFT for longer-term support.
• Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP): RAFT can cover initial costs while waiting for MRVP issuance. Housing specialists often flag RAFT applicants for upcoming MRVP lotteries.
• Chapter 151B Protections: Using RAFT cannot be grounds for discrimination. Report landlords who refuse assistance to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
• Municipal Relief: Cities like Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville provide supplemental funds for applicants exceeding RAFT caps. Ask case managers about local add-ons.

Case Study: Family Facing Eviction in Worcester

The Alvarez family fell two months behind on rent after a medical emergency. They earned $54,000 annually—below Worcester County’s 50% AMI threshold. After calling 211, they were assigned to RCAP Solutions. They uploaded pay stubs, hospital bills, and the 14-day eviction notice through the portal. RCAP negotiated with the landlord to accept $4,800 in RAFT payments plus a repayment plan for the remaining $1,200. The family completed a budgeting workshop and connected with MassHire to secure higher-paying employment. They also enrolled in LIHEAP to manage winter heating costs, preventing future arrears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can RAFT help homeowners? Yes. RAFT can pay mortgage arrears, condo fees, or property taxes for low-income homeowners facing foreclosure or tax title actions.

Do I need a Social Security number? No. Households without SSNs can apply; provide alternative identification like passports or consular IDs.

What if my landlord refuses payments? RAFT requires landlord participation. If a landlord refuses, case managers explore alternative solutions, including paying future rent at a new unit or referring to legal services.

How often can I receive RAFT? You may receive multiple payments up to the $10,000 cap in a 12-month period. After 12 months, you can reapply if another crisis arises.

Does RAFT cover hotel stays? Typically no, but HCECs can approve short-term stays when searching for permanent housing, especially for domestic violence survivors.

By organizing documents, communicating proactively with case managers, and leveraging supportive services, Massachusetts households can use RAFT to stabilize housing and avoid the costly spiral of eviction or homelessness.