%PDF-1.6 % Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), a short-term Massachusetts rental subsidy program, is designed to help families who are at risk of becoming homeless transition into stable housing. RAFT helps all kinds of households by providing up to $10,000 per household to help preserve current housing or move to new housing. RAFT may be used for the following costs: One prospective (future) rent payment (stipend) in limited situations, Moving-related expenses (first/last/security, moving trucks, and furniture). Tenants and landlords can use mediation to resolve their problems without any court filing, or through court referrals. In those cases, landlords may seek to evict before the RAFT process has begun. A Notice to Quit is NOT an eviction. _U#!R!NZd& Both the RAFT and RAFT COVID programs are using a new application launched on October 19 (the first day of business after the states eviction moratorium expiration), which features: As part of the RAFT COVID application and in order to receive RAFT funding in excess of the traditional $4,000, up to $10,000 a landlord must agree not to evict, for nonpayment, a tenant who has received program funding for six months, or, in the case of a family with school-aged children, through June 2021, whichever date is later. There are two additional tools for landlords and tenants to prevent an eviction. HomeBASE is a program for families who are experiencing homelessness and are living in shelters. The two pilot regions are Way Finders in the Greater Springfield region and the Housing Assistance Corporation, serving Cape Cod and the islands. Interpreter services are available in multiple languages. A tenant who is late on rent could sign up for the program, receive funds, and use it to put down a security deposit on another housing unit elsewhere. They were eligible to reapply after that time, but had to wait 12 months from their first received payment. This will ensure your case is . The RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. Landlords should consult their own legal counsel for advicebefore declining rental assistance that covers all outstanding rent arrears. Your email address will not be published. The RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. Legislative Affairs Counsel Renters who are in arrears may qualify for one or more subsidies, e.g., Rental Assistance for Families in Transition ( RAFT ), Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance ( ERMA ), and Emergency Assistance Rental Program ( ERAP ). However, if COVID RAFT is mandatory and must be accepted for eligible renters, it presents a serious financial hardship for some owners who are not in position to forgive arrears or forswear termination. So far it has generously covered over $50 million in rent arrears and going forward stipends. Landlords should consult their own legal counsel for advice before declining rental assistance that covers all outstanding rent arrears. The requirement of only one set of signatures; Reduced documentation requirements for household identification new income verification processes will allow for automatic data matching with DTA, MassHealth, or DOR (UIOnline and WageMatch). }. We also have RAFT Application walk in hours on Tuesday and Friday 9:30am-11:30am and Wednesday 1:00-3:00pm. At this time, the MA Emergency Housing payment Assistance Application is not accepting applications from homeowners. Community-based organizations will also get training in how to use the new portal. The RAFT COVID program is presented as an option to landlords, who may, according to its language, decide whether or not to accept the funding in excess of $4,000. Once someone receives initial approval, they can complete an application. However, Fisher went on, there doesn't appear to be any language to the effect that an existing landlord with an arrearage would have any priority over a successor landlord if the tenant chose to move into a new property. You can find more information on RAFT and other housing resources by dialing 2-1-1, contacting your local Housing Consumer Education Center(HCEC), or at the following links: Emergency Housing Payment Assistance during COVID-19, Report fraud, waste, or abuse of the RAFT program, Please listen for phone menu options for DHCD divisions. You must have your application number in order to submit documents or to determine which agency is processing your application. 1. If you need assistance submitting an application or required documents through this portal, please refer to the corresponding document that is linked below. It will include enhanced features expected to create a more user-friendly experience and increase processing efficiency. Once it launches statewide, the portal will be available in eight languages. Can a renter get RAFT directly and then not give it to the landlord? If youown a 1-4 family home and are having trouble paying your mortgage, you may also be eligible for mortgage assistanceunder the states Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) program which includes assistance for eligible owner-occupants of 1-4 family homes.
Relias Fetal Monitoring,
Northwick Park Hospital Staff,
Bramty Juliette Brother Richard,
Articles R