If you’re having difficulty paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs, you may be able to get financial help. Both state and local programs have funds available and are accepting applications from renters. This article will discuss an important program for rental assistance.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA)
The U.S. Department of Treasury sponsor the ERA program in order to help with the financial burdens of their local communities.
For a good overview of the program as well as frequently asked questions, visit ERA Overview .
How To Apply
Every local ERA program sets its own guidelines for its policies and procedures. So the important first step you should take is to find your local ERA program.
Go to the Consumer Finance Website to find out how to apply for rental assistance. Keep in mind that in some areas, you can apply for assistance yourself. In some cases, your landlord needs to submit an application first.
What’s Covered
The federal ERA Programs allows their local affiliates to provide assistance for rent, utilities, and home energy costs. In particular, this includes electricity, fuel, oil, gas, water, and trash removal. If your landlord pays the utilities or home energy bills, they are considered part of your rent.
Additional Coverage
Rental assistance under the ERA program can also include late fees, if they’re not part of your rent or utility debt.
Internet service to your home is also covered, as well as moving expenses and other rental-related costs — security deposits, application fees — for families that must move.
Find Out If You’re Eligible
In order to participate in the ERA program, you must have a written agreement to pay rent for the home or mobile home you’re currently living in.
While this agreement doesn’t have to be a lease, you must also meet a few other criteria:
- Someone in your households has qualified for unemployment or could qualify
- Can prove they have lost income
- Are owed big expenses
- Have experienced other financial hardships
Other ways to be eligible are if your household income is below the average income where you live, and if at least one person in your household is at risk of becoming homeless or could have trouble finding a place to live.
Priority Assistance
Local ERA programs must give top priority to households with income below 50% of the Average Median Income (AMI). Households with a worker who has been unemployed for at least 90 days also get priority assistance. For more information, contact your local ERA program to find out exactly how they operate.
Go to the Emergency Rental Assistance Website for more information.
Big Picture
Families and households that are having trouble paying rent and utilities have places they can go to for help. So take control of your hardships head on, and find out if you qualify for these important rental assistance programs.
