Types of documents needed to prepare for the application process:

• A Massachusetts driver’s record or Massachusetts ID card record
• A signed lease agreement that includes the applicant’s full name
• Residential property deed that includes the applicant’s full name
• School records with the applicant’s full name and address
• Housing authority records with the applicant’s full name and address
• Banking records with the applicant’s full name and address
• Utility bills, which identifies energy and water use
• Dated notices or correspondence from a local or state government entity that includes the applicant’s full name and address

Documentation Guidelines:

• All documents must be clear and legible
• Documents cannot be self-prepared
• All leases must be signed and dated
• Five years of residency in a Disproportionately Impacted Area (DIA) can be composed of multiple years in different DIAs and does not need to be a consecutive five-year period
  • Please note: DIAs may divide streets and neighborhoods into several different census tracts. Do not assume you meet the criteria based on a nearby neighbors’ acceptance into the program
• You must verify that your address is in a DIA by using the Census GEOCODER
• Documents submitted must be from official entities with verifiable records such as driving records, utility bills, banking statements, voter registrations, tax transcripts, etc.
• Income verification and proof of DIA documentation examples can include bank statements, IRS transcripts, W2s, government agency etc. (Income verification documentation is only required for one year)
  • Verify that your income is less than 400% of the Area Median Income
  • Documentation should not include unverifiable information such as marketing advertisements, 1040 tax filings, or residents that are not located in DIAs
  • All documents must be verifiable

Watch this video to learn more about the documentation you would need to submit with your application.