How to Apply for RAFT

The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies caused by loss of income, increase in expenses, or both. 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 can cover utilities, moving costs, and overdue rent costs, as well as future rent in limited situations.

The following documentation is required to apply:

1. ID for Head of Household (such as a state issued driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport)
2. Proof of Current Housing (such as a lease, tenancy agreement, or tenancy at will agreement)
3. Verification of Housing Crisis (such as a Notice to Quit, an eviction notice, a utility shutoff notice, or documentation showing an inability to stay in your current home due to health, safety, or other reasons)
4. Income Verification. In addition, after you apply, the Regional Administering Agency (RAA) or Rental Assistance Processing (RAP) Center processing your application will need to verify your income. They will attempt to do this automatically through a data match with other benefits programs and will reach out to you to provide income documents if necessary.

You must submit a complete application with all required documents to receive benefits.

Additionally, we encourage tenants to reach out early to their landlords and inform them about their application for RAFT. Landlords or property management will be needed to complete the process.