2020 has been a tough year for us all. The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it over a million deaths worldwide. Along with the great number of people who have lost their lives, many have also lost their jobs and are at risk of losing their homes. As of July of this year, Massachusetts had an unemployment rate of 16.1%. That is 5.9% above the national average for July this year of 10.2%. Thankfully, September’s unemployment numbers show a decrease. As of September, the unemployment rate is down to 9.6%. Even with the decrease, that is still nearly 1 in 10 Massachusetts residents left unemployed. With so many Massachusetts residents unemployed, many are unable to pay their bills right now. Thankfully there are several programs available to assist those in need during these tough times. 

Housing and Utility Assistance

The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and Emergency Rent and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) programs are state funded tools. RAFT and ERMA are utilized by the Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC). Its purpose is to provide eligible households with up to $4,000 per year in order to retain housing. Thankfully, the maximum benefits available has increased for those affected by the coronavirus related housing crisis. Now, households affected by coronavirus may qualify for RAFT and ERMA maximum benefits between $4,000 and $10,000. The program is meant to assist individuals in obtaining housing or otherwise avoid becoming homeless. RAFT funding provides short term financial assistance for mortgage, rent, utility bills, and other housing expenses. Further information and qualifying factors along with applications for these programs can be found at metrohousingboston.org. 

Utility companies are currently prohibited from shutting off electric, gas, and water service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utility payments are delayed but not dissolved. Unpaid utility bills will still need to be paid in time. The state of Massachusetts has several programs to help pay for utilities. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help individuals pay heating costs during winter months. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides assistance for energy costs to Massachusetts residents who may not qualify for other programs.

Food and Cash Benefits

Along with housing and utility assistance there are programs in place to help you with food and other necessities. If you are struggling due to unemployment, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. You can file for unemployment benefits online through the state of Massachusetts. You may even qualify for additional payments due to the pandemic. Some other programs available for those needing assistance at this time include:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) 

• Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)

• Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program (WIC)

• Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT)

Additionally, you may qualify for assistance from non-profit and community crganizations. During the coronavirus pandemic many community and non-profit organizations are providing additional assistance to their communities. 

In order to provide assistance to families in need the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley has established a COVID-19 Family Support Fund. They offer assistance for rent, food and other basic needs. United Way funds are also creating local local in some communities. You can obtain more information on available funds and the application process in your community by calling 2-1-1 for information. 

These are just a small few of the assistance programs currently available. The Mass.gov site can also be a great source for assistance programs offered in the great state of Massachusetts. If you qualify for any of these programs it may be the boost you need in order to keep your home through this pandemic. 

Final Thoughts

If the coronavirus pandemic has left you unemployed or struggling financially you have options. There are programs in place that can assist you in order to avoid losing your housing. Here at Peoples Choice Mortgage, our heart goes out to everyone who is experiencing hardship during the pandemic. We will make it through these hard times together.