Housing ReliefThe answer is no, which is why you’ll have to prove you need such assistance, and we’ll show you how.
Even though most of the population was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in one way or another, there’s not enough emergency rental assistance to go around. In other words, you have to show that you have a significant financial need and you need help with paying your rent since evictions are back in play.
How can you prove that financial need? There are four basic requirements you must meet, which we’ll discuss now. Before we jump in, take note that your local program will have specific requirements. They may vary from what you see here, so find your local program here and give them a call as soon as possible to get all of the details.
1. Do you have a rental agreement?
You can’t apply for emergency rental assistance just because you need some extra cash. You have to prove that you pay rent, and you do this via a rental agreement. If you have a signed lease that details your address and the monthly rent payment, that should be enough. If you don’t have that paperwork, though, there are some other ways to prove your status as a renter.
For starters, you could supply check stubs that show your history of paying the rent. Bank statements could work as well. If you have neither, a utility bill may work.
Lastly, you could get a statement from your landlord or draft your own written statement that details your rental agreement.
2. Do you have housing instability?
Now that you’ve shown that you pay rent, it’s essential to prove that you’re suffering from housing instability. In other words, you may be on the verge of eviction, and you have a notice to prove it. Or, your current home is unhealthy or unsafe, and you have documentation proving that.
Do you have past-due rent? Bills showing that could demonstrate your housing instability. And if you have past due utility bills, that may work too to fulfill this requirement.
3. Have you experienced financial hardship?
Many of us experienced some form of financial hardship due to the pandemic. If you lost a job and the income that came with it, that could be sufficient evidence. Qualifying for unemployment is another form of proof. Do you owe significant expenses that you cannot pay? That qualifies as financial hardship as well.
Your local program will let you know whether you have to show paperwork for this and other requirements, or if a written statement is enough.
4. Does your household income sit below a certain level?
The last eligibility requirement for emergency rental assistance deals with income. Your household income will have to be below a certain level to qualify.
You can show your income via pay stubs, a letter from your employer, tax returns, or unemployment documents. You can also use a written statement in some cases if you don’t have any income, are disabled, your employer cannot be reached, or you lack access to technology.
Since all of this can be confusing or overwhelming, your best bet is to start gathering some documents regarding your rent, income, and hardship and contacting your local rent program now.
