Jonah JacobsIf you can’t pay your landlord, you’re not alone, as many find themselves in a financial pickle due to the pandemic. With eviction protections gone and unemployment benefits drying up, you may be wondering how you’ll keep a roof over your head. That’s where the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program comes into play.
The program was put together to help people pay their rent during these times of great uncertainty. Unfortunately, everyone isn’t eligible, as there are specific requirements you’ll have to meet to get that money.
Here’s some essential info on ERA eligibility so you can get the rent help you need as soon as possible.
How to Prove Your Eligibility for Emergency Rental Assistance
Even though billions in funding is available for the ERA program, that money is spread out amongst nearly 500 local programs across the country. As such, it’s meant for those in need. How can you show you’re in need? Let’s start with income.
Income
Each local program has its own requirements. To find yours, go here. In terms of income, you may have to provide a written statement to tell your program how much your household brings in. Or, they may ask you for actual documentation, such as pay stubs, tax returns, documents showing your unemployment benefits, or a letter from your employer.
When are you most likely to get away with just a written statement? If your local program allows it, or you have a unique situation, such as:
- Your employer’s office is closed, and you can’t get in touch with them.
- Your household has no income at all.
- You have a disability.
- You lack access to technology.
- You have some other type of special needs.
Know that if you use a written statement, you can expect your local program to check up on your situation every three months to see that your income has remained the same. Also, if you have a professional or caseworker who knows your financial situation, they may be contacted to verify your eligibility for emergency rental assistance.
Housing Instability
Besides showing income below a certain amount, you’ll have to show that you’re suffering from housing insecurity to qualify for emergency rental assistance.
A written statement may work here, but even better proof can come in the form of an eviction notice or past due rent bill, a past due utility bill, or proof that you’re living in unsafe or unhealthy housing. Again, your local program will tell you what their proof requirements are here.
Rental Agreement
After showing a lack of income and housing instability, you’ll need to prove that you have some rental agreement in place that details the address of your home and how much rent you pay. Depending on your local program, a rental agreement or lease would suffice, as could a written statement.
Other forms of rental agreement proof that could work could include a utility bill, bank statements, check stubs, or a statement from your landlord.
Financial Hardship
Last but not least, one member of your household will have to show that they’ve suffered a financial hardship. That could include a loss of income or owing significant expenses. Qualifying for unemployment could suffice as well.
To start applying for emergency rental assistance so you can provide the proof listed above, find your local program here.
Mark Luigi Dacumos
