Apply for Financial Assistance

RCAP Solutions serves as the regional Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) for Worcester County and administers financial assistance programs such as Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA), and the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

These programs are designed for renters and homeowners of all household sizes to help prevent homelessness. Our single application determines eligibility for all programs. RCAP Solutions will determine the best program(s) to fit your needs. If your household resides outside of these cities and you are looking for assistance, visit mahousinghelp.com to find your provider.

For Renters & Homeowners:

If you need help paying your rent or mortgage, complete the online application found below (choose language):

 

 

The best way to apply is online. However, if you prefer to submit a paper application or need the application in another language, download it below:

English | Spanish | Portuguese | Vietnamese | Russian | Haitian Creole | Chinese | Khmer

Completed paper applications should be emailed to: HCEC@rcapsolutions.org or faxed to: 508-365-6008

For Landlords:

Landlords who own less than 20 units of housing can submit an online application for their tenants who may need to request financial assistance for overdue rent. All adult household members must sign a Tenant Consent Form (located in the online application and available here in various languages), in order for the landlord to complete this process.

 

 

The best way to apply is online. However, if you prefer to submit a paper application or need the application in another language, download it below:

English | Spanish | Portuguese | Vietnamese | Russian | Haitian Creole | Chinese | Khmer

Completed paper applications should be emailed to: HCEC@rcapsolutions.org or faxed to: 508-365-6008

Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP):

RAFT/ERMA applications may also be considered for the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP); no additional or separate application is required. ERAP includes benefits that can exceed $10,000 and include slightly different eligibility requirements, along with a preference for households with one or more members that have been unemployed 90 days or more at the time of application or who have income below 50% of the Area Median Income. We will match you with the most appropriate program based on your needs and circumstances, and may ask additional questions beyond those in the application.

For more information, download the ERAP application guidance document below:

English | Spanish | Portuguese | Vietnamese | Russian | Haitian Creole | Chinese | Khmer

More Information:

Household qualifications vary by program. For example, a household that does not qualify for ERAP may still qualify for RAFT or ERMA. All households that fall within the parameters below should apply. Program staff will determine the program for which they are eligible.

Additionally, households that have already received RAFT or ERMA may receive ERAP in addition, as long as the programs do not cover the same expenses for the same month.

  • Household income must be at or below 80% area median income (AMI)
  • Households composed of any of the following: Individuals, families with older children, couples without children, unaccompanied youth, and households of any size
  • Household must provide documentation/proof that they are currently experiencing a housing crisis
Program funds can be used for housing-related expenses only. Appropriate uses of funds include, but are not limited to:

  • Rental or mortgage arrearages
  • Security deposits
  • First and last month's rent
  • Utility arrearages
  • Moving expenses
For more information, download the flyer below.



In Massachusetts, a landlord must send a tenant a Notice to Quit before the landlord can file a summary process (eviction) action. The Notice to Quit is a legal document that formally notifies the tenant that the tenancy will be terminated on a specific date. A Notice to Quit is not an order to leave your apartment on the date of the lease termination.

NOTE: If you receive a Notice to Quit you do not need to immediately leave your unit. You are entitled to a legal proceeding in which you can defend against the eviction. Only a court order can force you to leave your unit.

If you have received a Notice to Quit for nonpayment of rent, do not ignore or discard it. You should immediately contact your landlord to try to work out a payment plan and use the Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder to connect with legal assistance and other resources.

For full instructions on what to do if you receive a Notice to Quit, download the flyer below.







Portuguese | Vietnamese | Russian | Haitian Creole | Chinese | Khmer
The Eviction Diversion Initiative (EDI) includes new programming and resources for tenants and landlords to avoid evictions and maintain household stability throughout the COVID-19 emergency.

For more information, click here or download the flyer below.







Portuguese | Vietnamese | Russian | Haitian Creole | Chinese | Khmer
Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC): HCEC is the first point of contact for anyone interested in RCAP Solutions housing counseling, programs, and resources.

Senior, Disabled & Family Housing: RCAP Solutions manages over 380 affordable apartments for the elderly, disabled, and families in Athol, Bolton, Boylston, Groton, Hubbardston, Northbridge, Townsend, Webster, and Worcester.

Senior & Disabled Programs: RCAP Solutions provides a comprehensive array of elder service programs which can assist our aging population and those who are disabled.

Housing Search:

RCAP Solutions has partnered with GoSection8 to maintain a list of available housing in the area. Users can search the list by a number of different criteria. In addition, landlords with available units to lease may add them to the list.

To search for housing as a prospective renter or to list your property as a landlord, visit rcap.gosection8.com.

Questions? Contact Us:

HCEC@rcapsolutions.org

978-630-6771

Please note, our office is closed to the public at this time and visits are by appointment only or for paperwork drop off.