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Searching for a Massachusetts mortgage relief program often happens during a period of significant financial stress. If you are having difficulty making your mortgage payments, it is critical to know that help is available.
While the primary pandemic-era assistance program has concluded, substantial state-funded mortgage help and foreclosure prevention resources remain. The central, active program for homeowners is the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program.
RAFT provides a direct path to understanding the current landscape of support. It connects homeowners with vital services to help them stay in their homes.
The prospect of foreclosure can be overwhelming, but it is a process with manageable solutions. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides support built on three key pillars:
Understanding these options is the first step toward regaining control and securing your housing stability.
The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program is the primary source of state-funded emergency financial aid for low-income homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Originally focused on renters, this program was expanded to provide a crucial safety net for homeowners facing a housing crisis.
What RAFT Provides for Homeowners
The RAFT program is a short-term emergency fund designed to prevent foreclosure and other housing emergencies. For eligible homeowners, the program can provide up to $7,000 within a 12-month period to be used for overdue mortgage payments.
This assistance helps reinstate a delinquent loan. If your application is approved, the funds are not paid to you directly. Instead, the payment is sent straight to your mortgage servicer—the company that collects your payments—to be applied to your account.
Determining Your Eligibility for RAFT
Eligibility for the RAFT program is based on your housing situation and your household income.
Housing Crisis Requirement
You must be at risk of foreclosure. This is typically verified with documents showing you are behind on your mortgage, such as a mortgage statement indicating arrears or a formal default notice from your lender.
Income Limits
Your household's gross income must meet the following criteria:
The state provides an online eligibility checker to help you determine if your income qualifies.
How to Apply for RAFT: A Step-by-Step Process
The application process is centralized through a single state portal to make it as straightforward as possible.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents Preparing your documentation beforehand will speed up the process. You will need the following items:
Step 2: Submit Your Application Online Applications must be submitted through the official state portal, the Emergency Housing Payment Assistance Portal, also known as the Housing Help Hub. The online application typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
If you cannot use the online portal, you can get help by calling the state's 2-1-1 hotline. You can also contact one of the Regional Administering Agencies (RAAs) that manage the program across the state.
After You Apply: The Review Process and Timeline
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a Regional Administering Agency (RAA) or the central Rental Assistance Processing (RAP) Center. It is crucial to monitor your email, as this is how the agency will contact you if any information is missing.
Responding promptly will prevent delays or a potential timeout of your application.
Checking Your Application Status
You can check the status of your application at any time by logging back into the Housing Help Hub. The portal will show you which agency is assigned to your case and its current status.
Approval and Denial
The official timeline for a response is typically fewer than 30 days, but complete applications are often processed more quickly. If your application is approved, payment is generally sent to your mortgage servicer within 14 business days. Should your application be denied, you will receive an email explaining the decision and the steps for requesting a review.
Many homeowners may still be searching for the Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund (Mass HAF). It is essential to understand that this program was a temporary initiative and is no longer active.
Purpose and History of the Mass HAF Program
Mass HAF was a federally funded program established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Its purpose was to help homeowners who experienced a financial hardship directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program was highly effective, providing grants of up to $50,000 per household and pausing nearly 330 foreclosure sales. However, the Mass HAF program stopped accepting new applications on June 30, 2023, and has since concluded.
Key Differences Between HAF and RAFT
The transition from HAF to RAFT as the primary source of aid is a significant shift. HAF was a large-scale, temporary federal program for a specific crisis, while RAFT is an ongoing, state-funded safety net.
This distinction is critical for managing expectations. The $7,000 from RAFT is a valuable tool but is best viewed as one component of a broader foreclosure prevention strategy.
| Feature | Mass HAF | RAFT Program |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Closed (No longer accepting applications) | Active (Accepting applications) |
| Funding Source | Federal (American Rescue Plan Act) | State of Massachusetts |
| Maximum Benefit | Up to $50,000 per household | Up to $7,000 per 12-month period |
| Hardship Requirement | Must be related to the COVID-19 pandemic | General housing crisis (at risk of foreclosure) |
| Income Eligibility | Up to 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) | Generally at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) |
Because RAFT assistance may not cover the entire amount you owe, it is vital to pursue other foreclosure prevention strategies simultaneously. Proactive communication with your lender and a clear understanding of your rights are your most powerful tools.
The First and Most Important Call: Your Mortgage Servicer
The single most important step is to contact your mortgage servicer. Do not wait until you are several months behind. Servicers have loss mitigation departments specifically to work with borrowers in financial distress.
You do not have to be delinquent to qualify for certain types of assistance. You only need to demonstrate that you are at risk of an imminent default to be considered for options like a loan modification.
Understanding Your Options: Loan Modifications, Forbearance, and Repayment Plans
When you speak with your servicer, they will likely discuss several options.
Know Your Legal Protections in Massachusetts
Massachusetts law provides homeowners with specific rights during the pre-foreclosure process.
The 90-Day "Right-to-Cure"
Before your lender can accelerate your loan and begin foreclosure, they must send you a default notice and give you a 90-day "right-to-cure" period. This window is a critical opportunity to pay the past-due amount or apply for a loan modification.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
Federal law protects active-duty military personnel. Under the SCRA, lenders are prohibited from foreclosing on a service member's home during their active duty and for a specific time afterward without a court order.
When Staying in Your Home Isn't an Option
If it is not financially feasible to keep the home, there are options to avoid foreclosure that are less damaging to your credit.
Both options have serious financial and tax implications. It is strongly recommended to consult with a HUD-approved housing counselor, a lawyer, or a tax professional before making a decision.
A housing counselor is the single most valuable resource for a homeowner facing financial hardship. They provide expert guidance at no cost.
Why You Should Contact a Housing Counselor Immediately
Housing counseling agencies are non-profit organizations certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Their services are free.
These legitimate, trained professionals stand in stark contrast to for-profit "foreclosure rescue" companies that often charge illegal upfront fees. Counselors provide unbiased, expert advice tailored to your unique financial situation.
How a Housing Counselor Can Help You
A certified housing counselor is your advocate and guide through every step of the process. They can:
Directory of HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in Massachusetts
You can find a complete list of agencies through the official search tools provided by HUD at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/hcc_home or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov/mortgage help. Below are some key agencies serving major regions.
Unfortunately, financial distress can attract predatory scams. Recognizing the warning signs is essential to protecting yourself from further financial harm.
Red Flags of a Foreclosure Rescue Scam
Be wary of any company or individual who engages in the following practices:
Remember: Legitimate Help is Free
The most powerful defense against scams is knowing that HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide expert foreclosure prevention services for free. There is no reason to pay a private company for help that is available at no cost.
Where to Report Fraudulent Activity
If you believe you have been targeted by a mortgage relief scam, you should report it immediately to the following authorities:
The primary program is the Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund (Mass HAF). This is the state-administered initiative using federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The core goal of the Massachusetts mortgage relief program is to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, and foreclosures for homeowners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000 in assistance. This is a cumulative cap per household. The Massachusetts mortgage relief program is designed to provide substantial, one-time support to cover past-due housing-related expenses and help homeowners achieve financial stability with their mortgage payments going forward.
The financial assistance provided through the Massachusetts mortgage relief program is a grant, not a loan. This means the funds do not need to be repaid by the homeowner, provided they adhere to all program terms. It is direct financial aid intended to cure delinquencies and prevent displacement.
No. Beyond overdue mortgage payments, the program can also cover other required housing costs to prevent foreclosure. This includes delinquent property taxes, homeowner's insurance, condominium fees, and other common interest community association fees. It offers comprehensive support to maintain homeownership in Massachusetts.
You must apply online through the official Mass HAF portal. The application for the Massachusetts mortgage relief program requires you to create an account, complete the questionnaire, and upload all necessary financial and hardship documentation. It is crucial to use the official state government portal to apply.
To qualify, you must have experienced a COVID-19-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020. This can include a loss of income or an increase in living expenses due to the pandemic. You will need to attest to this hardship and provide documentation during the application process.
Yes. The Massachusetts mortgage relief program is specifically designed for foreclosure prevention. If you have received a notice of default or a foreclosure auction date, you are strongly encouraged to apply immediately. Acting quickly is essential, as the assistance can help reinstate your loan.
Applicants typically need to provide a government-issued ID, proof of income (like pay stubs or tax returns), a copy of their most recent mortgage statement, and documentation of other housing debts like property taxes. Having these documents ready can significantly speed up your application review.
Processing times can vary based on application volume and the completeness of your submission. It may take several weeks to a few months to receive a decision. Ensuring your application for the Massachusetts mortgage relief program is complete and accurate is the best way to avoid delays.
If you are not eligible for Mass HAF, you should immediately contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in Massachusetts. These non-profit counselors offer free guidance on lender negotiations, loan modifications, and other state or local programs that may provide foreclosure prevention assistance outside of this specific fund.
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