Massachusetts Rental Assistance Grant 2025: How to Get Up to 10000 from RAFT to Stay Housed

If you are in Massachusetts, behind on rent, and losing sleep wondering how you are going to keep your home, the RAFT program is one of the few tools that can actually move the needle.

RAFT – short for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition – offers up to 10,000 dollars per household in a 12‑month period to stop evictions, prevent homelessness, and keep people stably housed. This is not a loan. It is state-funded rental assistance targeted to households in serious housing trouble.

The good news: Metro Housing Boston has dramatically improved processing times. The infamous backlog of thousands of applications has been cleared from the first review stage, more staff have been hired, and new applications now get an initial response within about two business days.

The less good news: demand is still intense, funding is finite, and sloppy or incomplete applications are getting bounced back. If you submit a half-baked application, you are effectively putting yourself at the back of the line.

This guide walks you through how RAFT works right now, who actually qualifies (with real-world examples), what you need to submit, and how to keep your application from sitting in limbo for weeks.

RAFT Rental Assistance at a Glance

What This Rental Assistance Offers (and What It Does Not)

RAFT is designed for crisis moments, not general rent support “just in case.”

At its core, the program can pay rent arrears, help with future rent, or cover other housing-related costs that stand between your household and stable housing. For example, RAFT funds might:

• Pay three months of back rent so a pending eviction case can be dismissed.
• Cover the first month, last month, and security deposit for a new apartment after a no‑fault eviction.
• Help cover utilities if a shutoff is threatening your tenancy.

The 10,000‑dollar cap per 12‑month period is real and enforced. RAFT can combine different cost types (e.g., some back rent plus a security deposit), but once you hit the cap, that is it for a full year from the date of assistance.

The money does not go directly to you in most situations. Payments typically go straight to your landlord, the property owner, or the utility company, depending on what your approved need is. Think of RAFT as a one-time (or short-term) heavy lifter that stabilizes your housing long enough for you to get back on your feet.

Because demand is so high, RAFT is also very documentation-driven. Metro Housing has reported that, when they cleared their earlier backlog, more than 6,200 out of roughly 8,000 applications were incomplete. That is an astonishing number and tells you exactly why being organized is your biggest advantage.

The other crucial piece: RAFT is about preventing future homelessness, not just patching past due bills. That is why the program looks at whether your housing is sustainable after assistance. If RAFT pays off your arrears but your ongoing rent will still be permanently unaffordable based on your income, you will need a strong plan (and documented proof) to show how things will be different.

Who Should Apply for RAFT in Massachusetts

Eligibility for RAFT is less about your job title or family size and more about three big questions:

1. Do you live in Massachusetts and fall under the income limits?
   The program is for Massachusetts residents whose household income is at or below 50 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). Certain priority categories can go up to 60 percent AMI. AMI varies by county and household size, so a 50 percent AMI family of four in Boston is a different dollar amount than a single person in Springfield.

2. Are you in a real housing crisis right now?
   You must be facing a clear, documentable problem such as:

   • An eviction notice or court summons for nonpayment
   • Homelessness (in a shelter, in your car, or on someone’s couch)
   • Living “doubled‑up” in overcrowded conditions because you cannot afford your own place
   • Housing that is unsafe or unhealthy (serious code violations, for example)
   • A utility shutoff or threat of shutoff that will make your home uninhabitable or jeopardize your tenancy

3. Can you reasonably sustain your housing after help?
   RAFT will ask for proof that your situation is stabilizing, not just a one‑time emergency. This might mean:

   • You recently got a new job or more hours
   • You resolved a temporary crisis (illness, short‑term loss of work, etc.)
   • You are moving to a cheaper unit that actually fits your income
   • You are adding a roommate and have a written agreement

To make this more concrete, here are a few examples of applicants who are typically a good fit:

• The parent with a new job after a layoff: They fell behind three months on rent during unemployment, have a notice to quit, but now have steady income again. RAFT can wipe out the arrears and stop the eviction.
• The senior facing a utility shutoff: A fixed‑income senior who fell behind on gas and electric during a medical crisis. Paying those bills prevents a shutoff that would make their apartment uninhabitable and at risk.
• The family forced to move due to unsafe conditions: The apartment has serious code issues, and the landlord will not fix them. The family has found a new, safe place but needs help with the upfront move‑in costs.

On the other hand, you are not a strong candidate if:

• Your household income is well above the RAFT limits.
• You already used more than 10,000 dollars in RAFT in the last 12 months.
• Your rent is permanently far above what you can afford even after RAFT, and you have no realistic plan to change that.

If you are unsure where you fall, the Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) in your region can help you sort it out before you apply.

How RAFT Applications Are Moving Now

Metro Housing Boston has publicly shared that they:

• Cleared an earlier backlog of roughly 8,000 applications from the initial review stage.
• Hired around 50 new permanent and temporary staff using additional state resources.
• Moved about 1,300 completed applications into full processing.
• Discovered over 6,200 applications were incomplete and needed more information.

The practical takeaway: if your application is complete, it can move forward relatively quickly. If it is missing documents or has unclear answers, it may sit for weeks while staff chase you for more info—or simply stall until you respond.

Metro Housing now aims to:

• Respond to new RAFT applications within two business days with next steps.
• Fully process complete applications in roughly 2–6 weeks, depending on how organized your documentation is.

That range may tighten or stretch depending on funding levels and volume of applications, but it gives you a realistic sense of timing. Plan your conversations with your landlord or utility company around that 2–6 week window, and do not promise them payment “next week” unless RAFT has already approved you.

Insider Tips for a Winning RAFT Application

Think of RAFT as a high-stakes paperwork test. People do not get denied just because they are unlucky; they often get denied or delayed because their file simply does not give staff what they need. Here is how to avoid that.

1. Treat “complete documentation” as non‑negotiable

Metro Housing has already said most backlog applications were incomplete. Do not be in that majority. Before you click submit, ask yourself:

• Have I attached proof of income for every adult in the household?
• Did I include the eviction notice, utility shutoff letter, or other crisis proof?
• Is my lease (or written rental agreement) uploaded and readable?
• Is my ID clear and not cropped?

If something is missing, assume your file will stall.

2. Tell a clear, simple story of your crisis

On your application, you will need to explain what happened. This is not the time for a vague one‑liner like “COVID hardship” or “financial issues.” Instead, aim for three to five sentences that lay out:

• What changed (job loss, medical issue, breakup, death in the family, etc.)
• When it changed (month and year)
• How that directly affected your ability to pay rent or utilities
• Why the situation is improving or stable now

Staff read dozens of these each day. Make yours easy to understand without drama or long side stories.

3. Show how housing will be stable after help

RAFT is trying to prevent future homelessness. Spell out your plan:

• “I started a new full‑time job on [date] at [hourly rate or salary]. My net income is [amount] per month. My rent is [amount], and after RAFT pays off arrears, I will be able to pay going forward.”
• “I am moving to a more affordable unit at [address] with rent of [amount]. RAFT will cover the security deposit and first month, and I have regular income to cover the rest.”

Attach backup: job offer letters, pay stubs, benefit award letters, or a signed lease.

4. Communicate with your landlord early

In most cases, RAFT will pay your landlord directly. Many landlords get skeptical because they have heard “aid is coming” for months and never see it.

Once you apply:

• Tell your landlord you applied for RAFT and roughly when.
• Ask for an email address where Metro Housing can contact them.
• Try to get them to agree to pause eviction action while your application is reviewed.

A cooperative landlord can make the process smoother; a hostile one can complicate it.

5. Respond fast when staff ask for more information

Metro Housing has said they are now contacting applicants within about two business days. That is the good news. The catch: if they email or call you for missing documents and you take two weeks to answer, you just extended your own timeline.

Set a reminder to check your email (including spam) daily. If you get a call from a number you do not recognize and you are mid‑application, consider picking up. The faster you respond, the faster your file moves.

6. Do not apply six different ways

Submitting multiple applications through different channels for the same crisis does not help. It confuses the system and can slow everything down. Submit one clean application through your regional HCEC and stick with that file. If you realize you made an error, contact them to correct it rather than filing a duplicate.

Suggested Application Timeline (Rolling Deadline, Realistic Planning)

Because RAFT is rolling and funds can run out, you should apply as soon as you meet eligibility and have the core documents. But even in a crisis, it is worth taking a few days to prepare instead of rushing in a half-complete packet.

Here is a realistic pace you can follow:

Days 1–2: Gather documents and talk to your landlord

Collect your pay stubs, benefit letters, lease, ID, utility bills, and any eviction or shutoff notices. Let your landlord know you intend to apply and ask them to hold off on court steps if possible.

Days 3–4: Complete the online application through your HCEC

Fill in every field. Double-check names, Social Security numbers (if required), and contact info. Upload every document the portal asks for. If something truly does not exist (for example, a verbal rental agreement), write a clear explanation.

Submit the application.

Days 5–7: Watch for follow‑up from Metro Housing or your regional agency

They aim to contact new applicants within two business days. They may confirm receipt, ask for more documents, or explain next steps.

Weeks 2–6: Processing and payment

If your application is complete, expect a decision and payment arrangements within about 2–6 weeks, depending on workload and complexity. If you are missing documentation or slow to respond to staff questions, expect the longer end of that window—if not longer.

While you wait, keep your landlord updated. A simple “Here is the date I applied, here is who contacted me, here is the next step” can keep them from panicking and filing in court.

Required Materials and How to Prepare Them

Exact requirements can vary slightly by region and by your situation, but you should be ready to provide:

• Proof of identity: A government‑issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or similar). Make sure the photo is clear and not cut off.
• Proof of Massachusetts residence and tenancy: Your lease, tenancy‑at‑will agreement, or a written statement from the landlord. If you are moving, you may need documents for both your current and new units.
• Proof of income for all adults in the household: Recent pay stubs (usually the last 4–8 weeks), benefit letters (Social Security, SSI, SSDI, unemployment), child support documentation, or self-employment records. If someone has no income, a signed zero‑income statement may be needed.
• Documentation of your housing crisis: Eviction notices, court summons, notice to quit, utility shutoff notices, letters about unsafe conditions, or proof of homelessness (such as a shelter letter).
• Proof you can sustain housing going forward: Job offer letters, pay increases, reduced rent lease, or similar documentation.
• Landlord or property owner information: Name, address, phone number, and sometimes W‑9 tax information so they can receive payment.

Scan or photograph your documents in advance. Check that every page is legible and right‑side up. Blurry cell phone photos are a common reason staff have to ask for resubmissions.

What Makes a RAFT Application Stand Out

No one in the RAFT office is trying to trick you; they are trying to figure out two things:

1. Is this household eligible and truly in crisis?
2. Will this assistance actually solve something, or are we just delaying the inevitable by one month?

Applications that rise to the top tend to:

• Match the program rules clearly: Income is within limits, the household crisis is well documented, and prior RAFT use is under the cap.
• Show a direct cause‑and‑effect relationship: “I lost my job in April, fell two months behind on rent, received a notice to quit in June, and now I have a new job as of August, but cannot catch up.” That story is easy to follow and easy to support with documents.
• Demonstrate a believable plan for stability: Reviewers want to see that once RAFT pays off the arrears or move‑in costs, your monthly budget is workable. If your rent is 80 percent of your income, they will question sustainability unless you are adding a roommate or moving to a cheaper place.
• Have cooperative third parties: A landlord who fills out requested forms quickly or a shelter staff member who provides a verification letter can keep your file moving.

Staff are juggling volume, not playing detective. If you give them a clean, coherent packet with all the evidence they need, you are doing them—and yourself—a huge favor.

Common Mistakes That Slow or Sink RAFT Applications

You can avoid a lot of heartache by steering clear of these predictable pitfalls:

1. Incomplete or inconsistent information

Listing three household members on one page and four on another, or giving two different monthly incomes, raises questions and slows everything down. Before you submit, check that:

• Household size is the same everywhere.
• Names are spelled consistently.
• Income numbers match the documents you attached.

2. Missing proof of crisis

Saying you are “behind on rent” without attaching a notice, a ledger from your landlord, or written confirmation makes it harder for staff to assess urgency. If you truly do not have formal notices yet, ask your landlord or property manager to put your arrears and their intent in writing.

3. No clear path to future stability

If your ongoing rent is clearly above what you can afford, but you do not explain any change (more income, cheaper rent, added roommate), reviewers will worry that you will be in the same crisis again in a few months. Write out your plan in simple detail and back it up.

4. Radio silence after staff contact you

Metro Housing has improved front-end response times, but if they cannot reach you or you ignore emails asking for more documents, your application will simply stall. Treat every message from them as time‑sensitive.

5. Waiting until the last possible moment

Because funds are limited, waiting until you are days from a physical lockout or a shutoff is risky. Apply as soon as you have the required documents and a clear crisis, not when the sheriff is already scheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions About RAFT

Is RAFT a loan? Will I have to pay it back?
No. RAFT is grant-style assistance, not a loan. You do not repay it. However, if assistance was issued based on false information or fraud, the state can pursue repayment or other penalties.

Can I use RAFT if I am already in a shelter or sleeping on a couch?
Yes. RAFT can help people who are currently homeless move into housing by covering things like security deposits, first and last month’s rent, and sometimes moving costs. You will still need to meet income and other eligibility rules, and you will need a realistic plan to afford rent after the help.

What if my household needs more than 10,000 dollars?
RAFT caps assistance at 10,000 dollars per household in a 12‑month period. If your total need is higher, staff may help structure support to cover the most critical pieces (for example, enough arrears to stop the eviction plus some move‑in costs), or they may connect you to additional programs if available. Do not assume RAFT alone can fix very large, long-term arrears.

Can I apply again if I received RAFT before?
Yes, as long as you have not exceeded 10,000 dollars in the previous 12 months. If you received 7,000 dollars eight months ago, you may still be eligible for up to 3,000 dollars now. Staff will look at your RAFT history as part of your review.

Do I need a Social Security number or specific immigration status?
RAFT is a state program with its own rules that can change. Some forms of assistance may be available regardless of immigration status, especially for children. If you are unsure, do not self‑reject. Contact your regional HCEC and ask confidentially about current rules.

Can my landlord apply on my behalf?
Landlords often participate in the process and may submit certain forms or confirmations, but the tenant household still needs to be part of the application, especially to document income, household size, and crisis details. Even if your landlord is leading the charge, stay closely involved and make sure your side of the paperwork is complete.

How long will RAFT take to pay my landlord or utility company?
After your application is fully approved and all parties have submitted what is needed (such as the landlord W‑9 and payment information), payment is generally processed within the same 2–6 week overall window. Complex situations or slow responses from landlords can add time.

How to Apply and Next Steps

If RAFT sounds like a fit, your next move is not to panic-scroll social media; it is to get your paperwork together and start the application through your regional Housing Consumer Education Center.

Here is a straightforward path:

1. Confirm you are in Massachusetts and under the income limit for your area and household size. If you are not sure, your HCEC can help you check.
2. Gather your documents: ID, lease or rental agreement, proof of income for every adult, evidence of your crisis (eviction notice, shutoff notice, shelter letter, etc.), and anything that proves your situation is stabilizing.
3. Talk to your landlord or property manager: Let them know you are applying for RAFT and will need their cooperation for forms and payment details.
4. Submit your RAFT application online or through your HCEC: Follow the instructions carefully, fill in every required field, and upload clear copies of all documents.
5. Watch your email and phone closely: Respond quickly to any requests from Metro Housing or your regional agency so your file does not stall.

Ready to get started or check the current status and details directly from the source?

Get Started

Visit the official Metro Housing Boston RAFT information and status page here:
https://www.metrohousingboston.org/press-release-archive/raft-app-status/

From there, you can find links to the application portal, contact information for housing counselors, and the most current updates on processing times and available funds.

If you are staring down an eviction notice or a looming shutoff in Massachusetts, RAFT is one of the strongest tools you have. Use it thoughtfully, submit a complete and honest application, and give the program a real chance to do what it is designed to do: keep you housed.