Where can you apply for EA?

You can apply for EA at the local offices of the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. each weekday. See DTA offices where there are DHCD staff providing EA benefits.

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), through its Division of Housing Stabilization (DHS), now runs the EA program, but DHCD/DHS workers are located in DTA offices and EA applications are taken there. 

Advocacy Tips:

• If you go to a DTA office for shelter, DHCD should take your application right away. If someone tries to send you away before your application is taken, ask to talk to a DHCD Supervisor or call DHCD’s toll-free Recipient Services number at 1-877-418-3308. If that does not work, contact an advocate.
• DHCD may try to “dicourage” you from applying for shelter by suggesting you stay with friends or relatives. If you have no safe place to go and you appear to meet eligibility rules based on your own statements and other information DHCD has, you have a right to be placed in shelter right away. See What if you do not have proof of your eligibility when you apply for EA? and How long does it take to be placed in emergency shelter?.
• If you go to DHCD for shelter but DHCD says you are not eligible, DHCD should give you a written denial notice that explains why you were denied and that you can appeal. See When can DHCD terminate your emergency shelter benefits?.
• DHCD is not taking EA applications at every DTA office and only until 4 p.m. each week day. This may violate state law. St. 2009, c. 27, § 142. If this causes a problem for you, contact an advocate.