We’ll reveal what they are and what it takes to prove you’re eligible.
If you had trouble paying the rent since the pandemic hit, at least you know there was help in the form of the eviction moratorium, occasional stimulus checks, and expanded unemployment benefits. What about now, though? You may still be struggling to find work and earn income, yet those forms of assistance are virtually gone.
Luckily, the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program has stepped in to help families with financial needs pay the rent. But it hasn’t been perfect, as many don’t know the ERA program exists. Worst of all, the billions of dollars in funding for the program are split amongst nearly 500 local offices, so there’s a ton of confusion about eligibility and how to apply.
Hopefully, the following will clear up any confusion, as we’ll discuss the main eligibility requirements for emergency rental assistance and how you can start applying.
ERA Eligibility Requirements
Although there are billions of dollars backing the ERA program, that’s not enough money to pay everyone’s rent. The program is meant to take care of families with the most financial need, which is determined via the following eligibility requirements.
1. You cannot make more than a certain income.
It makes sense that if your income is high, you probably have little trouble paying the rent. Who determines what is “too high”? Your local program will, which you can contact by going to this page.
As expected, you will have to show proof of your income. The easiest ways to do so are with past tax returns or pay stubs, but if you don’t have them, unemployment documents may suffice. Can your employer write a letter documenting your income? That could be enough evidence, and if you lack all of the above, your local program may let you provide a written statement.
Since the content of a written statement could be tough to prove, this option may be limited to people with special situations, such as anyone who lacks access to technology, is disabled, cannot contact their employer since the business closed, etc.
2. You must have a rental agreement.
By saying you must have a “rental agreement,” we mean that you need to show proof that you pay the rent to a landlord or management company. So, if you don’t have a signed lease, you’ll need to show something like check stubs, bank statements, utility bills, etc. A statement from your landlord detailing the home’s address and the rent payment may work too.
3. You must be experiencing financial hardship.
If one person in your household has experienced financial hardship from the pandemic, you should be good to go in this department. Owing large expenses, losing income, or relying on unemployment benefits are all examples of hardship.
4. You must be experiencing housing instability.
Does one of the following apply to your situation?
- You live in unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
- You’re being threatened with eviction.
- Your rent is past due.
- Your utilities are past due.
If the answer is yes and you can prove it, you can check off the housing instability requirement.
Now that you see how emergency rental assistance eligibility works, contact your local program to get the ball rolling before those benefits dry up.
Section 8 Assist