Apply for Financial Assistance

Difficulty paying your rent? Financial Assistance is available.

For individuals and families who have lost income or are struggling to pay expenses due to a hardship, there are programs that can help.

RCAP Solutions serves as the regional Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) for Worcester County and administers financial assistance through the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program. This program can provide eligible households with funding that can be used to help stay in current housing, obtain new housing, or otherwise avoid becoming homeless.

CLICK HERE
to Apply for Financial Assistance

Need to upload additional documents after submitting your online application? CLICK HERE for the online portal.

For additional RAFT application resources for tenants and landlords, please read our blog post here.

If you are unable to access or submit an online application, please email us at HCEC@rcapsolutions.org or call us at 978-630-6771 for assistance.

Information For Landlords

Landlords can begin the application process for their tenants who may need to request financial assistance for overdue rent. For guidance on how to apply and create a landlord profile, please visit this state website: RAFT Public Resource and Training Portal

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.

Information For 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 Information

If you live in the city of Worcester, your application will be processed by the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA). If you reside in Worcester and are unable to complete the online application or need application assistance, please contact CMHA at hc@cmhaonline.org or call 508-752-5519, ext. 172

If you live in a Central Massachusetts town outside of Worcester (highlighted in green on our RAFT Service Area Map), your application will be processed by RCAP Solutions. If you reside in one of these towns and are unable to complete the online application or need application assistance, please contact RCAP Solutions at HCEC@rcapsolutions.org or call 978-630-6771

If you live outside of Central Massachusetts and are unsure of which agency services your community, please use this lookup tool.

RAFT Service Area Map (click to enlarge):

Eligible households include:

  • Individuals, families with or without children, and unaccompanied youth
  • Household income must be at or below 50% area median income (AMI)
  • Household must provide proof that they are currently experiencing a housing crisis
It is very important that applications are submitted with the following documentation. Submitting a complete application will ensure a quicker processing time, resulting in funds being delivered sooner.

  • ID for the head of household
  • Proof of housing crisis (for example, an eviction notice or letter saying you're behind on rent)
  • Proof of housing (for example, a lease)
  • Proof of income (for example, paystubs)
For households applying to RAFT for assistance with rent arrears, a notice to quit or eviction notice/court summons is now required.

To learn more about submitting a complete application, eligibility and required documents, click here.
Program funds can be used for housing-related expenses only. Up to $10,000 per household in a 12-month period can be provided. Appropriate uses of funds include, but are not limited to:

  • Rent arrears
  • Short-term rental stipend
  • Security deposits
  • Start-up costs (if moving to a new apartment)
  • First and last month's rent
  • Employment-related transportation costs
Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC): HCEC is the first point of contact for anyone interested in RCAP Solutions housing counseling, programs, and resources.

Senior, Family, & Mobility Impaired Housing: RCAP Solutions manages several affordable apartment complexes for seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities/mobility impairments. We have units in Athol, Bolton, Bolyston, Groton, Hubbardston, Northbridge, Townsend, Webster, and Worcester.

Independent Living Programs: RCAP Solutions provides a comprehensive array of elder service programs which can assist our aging population as well as those who have a disability.
Community Healthlink: Mental illness, substance use, and homelessness recovery services.

Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA): Direct economic assistance (cash benefits), food assistance (SNAP benefits), and workforce training opportunities.

Eviction Legal Help: Free legal help to low-income tenants who are facing eviction.

Find Emergency Family Shelter: If you are in need of Massachusetts shelter services.

Fuel Assistance: Get help paying for heating your house or apartment.

MA Attorney General's Office: Consumer Advocacy & Response Division

Resolution Massachusetts (Housing Mediation): Mediaton Centers can help tenants and landlords resolve disputes and find flexible solutions that work for everyone.

SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps): Provides a monthly benefit to buy nutritious foods.

Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program: Keeps pregnant and breastfeeding women and kids under 5 healthy.
Discriminating against someone because they receive public assistance is illegal.

If you are a tenant who has been denied housing due to your Section 8 voucher or if your landlord has refused RAFT or other rental assistance payments, the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center can help.

Check out this flyer or visit www.massfairhousing.org for more information.

Specialized Services

RCAP Solutions can assist individuals and families with specialized services which includes; assistance with applying for emergency funding, gaining access to mental health and substance abuse centers, and obtaining public benefits and legal help. This intensive, personalized case management is pivotal in engaging households and stabilizing them in their communities. Click here for more information.

Find Housing

Our staff can can help you navigate a sometimes complicated housing market. RCAP Solutions is a resource to help you find and keep safe housing that you can afford. To begin your search for housing, contact us today.

Alternatively, you can start your search on your own by visiting AffordableHousing.com. Users can search this website by a number of different criteria to find available housing in the area. In addition, landlords with available units to lease may add them to the list.

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.

Video: Financial Assistance Programs Keep Struggling Families Safely Housed