FAQ

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. ERAP provides $25 billion to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The US Department of the Treasury is responsible for the federal administration, monitoring, and oversight of the $25 billion ERAP. State and local governments are responsible for administering the program at the household level.

State and local governments use the funds to provide assistance with rent and utility/home energy costs to eligible low-income households impacted by COVID-19.

Low-income households impacted by COVID-19. An eligible household must pay rent on a residential dwelling and the household must:
1. Have a household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) and,
2. Be at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability and,
3. Have one or more individuals within the household who have experienced a decrease in income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

Documentation requirements vary by local ERAP administrators. ERAP guidelines state that applicants must provide documentation that one or more members of the applicant's household meet the following conditions due to the COVID-19 outbreak:
1. The household has an income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
2. The household demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
3. One or more individuals within the household:

• Qualifies for unemployment
• Has experienced a reduction in household income
• Incurred significant costs
• Experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Low-income households impacted by COVID-19 apply for ERAP through their state and local governments responsible for administering the program at the household level. Click here to find your local ERAP administator.

Landlords with low income tenants impacted by COVID-19 can apply for ERAP on behalf of an eligible household through their state and local governments responsible for administering ERAP. Click here to find your local ERAP administator.

ERAP provides $25 billion through state and local governments administrators to use the funds to provide assistance with rent and utility/home energy costs to eligible low-income households impacted by COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, funds must be obligated by September 30, 2021 and will remain available for expenditure through December 31, 2021. Apply for funds now.