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
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 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/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: Landlord FAQs 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
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.
Additional Information for Tenants
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):
- 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
- 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)
To learn more about submitting a complete application, eligibility and required documents, click here.
- 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
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.
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.
- Community Legal Aid: For residents of Central and Western Massachusetts.
- MetroWest Legal Services: For residents of the MetroWest area.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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