Housing ReliefThe U.S. Department of Treasury has billions of dollars waiting to help families who struggled to pay the rent during the pandemic. While this is good news, there’s one very bad aspect of it all: Many people have no idea how to get their hands on that money.
If you’re one of them, don’t fret, as the following questions and answers should give you a clear path to getting the rent assistance you need.
1. Where is all of the emergency rental assistance money?
Although the U.S. Department of Treasury is in charge, state and local programs have the money to help families pay the rent.
2. How can you apply for emergency rent assistance?
As stated, state and local programs have all of the cash that’s waiting to be doled out. Each of those programs has its own policies and procedures. For example, in some regions, you can apply for rent assistance directly. In others, your landlord will have to start the process.
Keeping all of this in mind, you will have to apply through your local program. Since there are nearly 500 of them across the country, use this link to find the program that pertains to your situation. If you have no luck, dial 211 on your phone and ask for rental assistance. You can also contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Any one of those should be able to point you in the right direction.
3. Does emergency rental assistance only cover your monthly rent costs?
Luckily, the answer to this question is no, as other housing costs may be impossible to pay during the pandemic. The federal government’s ERA program covers much more than just the rent, as it can also help you with:
- Electricity
- Gas (for your home)
- Water
- Sewer
- Trash removal
- Internet
- Late fees
- Moving expenses
- Other fees related to your rent, such as application fees, screening fees, and security deposits if you have to move.
Depending on your location, you may even get help with legal representation, case management, and housing counseling via the ERA program. To see what’s covered in your area, contact your local program using the link above.
4. What does it take to be eligible for emergency rental assistance?
This may depend on your location, but basic eligibility for the ERA program requires the following:
- You must have an agreement to pay rent for wherever you live, whether it’s a house, apartment, mobile home, or other dwelling. Know that a signed lease isn’t necessary, as long as some sort of agreement exists.
- At least one household member lost income, is eligible for unemployment, had financial hardships, or owes significant expenses.
- Based on your location, your household income sits below a certain level.
- At least one household member is suffering from housing instability, meaning they’re having trouble finding housing or could become homeless.
Even if you think you don’t qualify based on the info above, contact your local program, as they will be able to determine your emergency rental assistance eligibility thanks to their expert counselors on the topic.
