Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
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Massachusetts
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 14, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Massachusetts, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Updates and Information website, COVID-19 State of Emergency resources or MassTrac's list of bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Description of Program and Relief
Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) and Guidance Waiving Regulations and Policies in Response to COVID-19
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), which provides vouchers for rental assistance to non-elderly disabled persons of low-income who have been determined eligible and qualified elderly/disabled housing.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DHCD has issued a guidance waiving various AHVP regulations and policies. These policy changes will be in effect during the Governor’s declared State of Emergency, or until otherwise updated by further notice from DHCD.
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DCHD is extending the 120-day time period a voucher holder has to locate a housing unit. This means that the clock will effectively be frozen for any vouchers issued prior to or during the State of Emergency.
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Until further notice, DHCD will not require evidence that a housing unit has passed inspection prior to occupancy. Housing units, however, are still expected to comply with state building and sanitary codes.
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Any government stimulus payments made directly to an individual shall be excluded from gross income and there will be no requirements of individuals to notify administering agencies of receipt of such payments. Unemployment insurance payments, however, shall continue to be included in gross income.
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DHCD is suspending most subsidy terminations.
Government or Lead Agency
Department of Housing and Community Development
Bureau of State Rental Assistance
Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions
Applicants must be non-elderly (less than 60 years age), have a disability, be of low-income, and eligible and qualified for the state elderly/disabled housing program.
Application Deadlines (If Applicable)
Not applicable
List of Additional Information
For general questions, please contact the Bureau of State Rental Assistance at (617) 573-1150
© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.