RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition)
Last updated August 2026
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition, RAFT, provides up to $7,000 per 12-month period to help a household stay in its current home or move to a new one. It is one of the strongest anti-eviction tools in the state, and the money is flexible: it can cover rent, utilities, moving costs, and mortgage payments, not just back rent.
You do not have to be evicted yet. You may be eligible if you are at risk of homelessness or losing your housing, for example if you received a Notice to Quit or eviction notice, are behind on your mortgage, or got a utility shutoff notice. Acting on the first warning is the whole point.
The income line is set locally. Your income must be less than 50 percent of your city or town's Area Median Income, or less than 60 percent if you are at risk of domestic violence. Because it is local, do not assume you earn too much; check for your area.
One step decides whether it works: your landlord. Your landlord must also submit a landlord application to complete the process, and if they do not submit within 21 days, your application times out and you have to reapply. So notify your landlord the moment you apply, and follow up.
Apply online through the RAFT portal, the Housing Help Hub, and you can get help by dialing 211, contacting a Regional Administering Agency, or your local Housing Consumer Education Center. Before you apply, gather ID, proof of current housing, verification of your housing crisis, and income verification.
After you submit, a Regional Administering Agency reviews your application, and if something is missing, staff email you a deadline. Track your case on the Housing Help Hub. Pair RAFT with free legal help through MassLegalHelp if an eviction case is already moving.
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Massachusetts households facing a housing emergency, with gross household income generally under 50 percent of Area Median Income; RAFT is open to all residents regardless of immigration status
- For rental help, both you and your landlord complete a matching application; either one can start the process at ApplyHousingHelp.Mass.Gov
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through the RAFT portal (Housing Help Hub), or dial 211 for help.
- 2
Gather ID, proof of housing, proof of your housing crisis, and income verification.
- 3
Notify your landlord immediately; they must submit a landlord application within 21 days.
- 4
Track your case on the Housing Help Hub and respond fast to any request for documents.
What to have ready
- ID for the head of household
- Proof of current housing (lease or tenancy agreement)
- Verification of your housing crisis (Notice to Quit or shutoff notice) and income.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much can RAFT provide?
Up to $7,000 per 12-month period, usable for rent, utilities, moving costs, or mortgage payments.
Do I have to be evicted already?
No. A Notice to Quit, a utility shutoff notice, being behind on your mortgage, or another housing crisis can make you potentially eligible.
What is the income limit?
Less than 50 percent of your city or town's Area Median Income, or less than 60 percent if you are at risk of domestic violence.
What does my landlord have to do?
Submit a landlord application within 21 days, or your application times out and you must reapply. Notify your landlord as soon as you apply.
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