See details for your state

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

BenefitHousing AssistanceRolling

What it may cover

$15K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

ERAP provides financial assistance to low-income renters experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent eviction and housing instability. Funds cover up to 18 months of past-due and prospective rent, utilities, and other qualifying housing costs. Eligible households must earn at or below 80% of area median income and demonstrate COVID-related financial hardship.

Help with rent, housing costs, or finding stable housing through a local housing agency or approved provider.

Ask about priority lists if you are homeless, fleeing violence, disabled, elderly, or caring for children.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Are you a renter who has experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 or other qualifying event?
Household income must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income?
Are you at risk of homelessness or housing instability — past-due rent, eviction notice, or unsafe/unhealthy housing?
Have you not already received rental assistance covering the same period from another program?
US citizenship is not required — applicants must provide attestation of eligibility?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Application to your local or state Emergency Rental Assistance program (find at home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/homeowner-assistance-fund and your state/county ERA program website)
2Lease or rental agreement showing landlord contact information and monthly rent amount
3Proof of income: pay stubs, tax return, unemployment benefit statements, or written self-attestation of income
4Evidence of financial hardship: layoff notice, medical bills, unemployment documentation, or written self-attestation
5Landlord cooperation: most programs require landlord to participate and provide banking information for direct payment
6Government-issued ID for adult household members

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the public housing agency that handles Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Good Neighbor Next Door

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HOPWA — Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD Housing Counseling Assistance

See details for your state

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

BenefitHousing AssistanceRolling

What it may cover

$15K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

Help with rent, housing costs, or finding stable housing through a local housing agency or approved provider.

Ask about priority lists if you are homeless, fleeing violence, disabled, elderly, or caring for children.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Are you a renter who has experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 or other qualifying event?
Household income must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income?
Are you at risk of homelessness or housing instability — past-due rent, eviction notice, or unsafe/unhealthy housing?
Have you not already received rental assistance covering the same period from another program?
US citizenship is not required — applicants must provide attestation of eligibility?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Application to your local or state Emergency Rental Assistance program (find at home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/homeowner-assistance-fund and your state/county ERA program website)
2Lease or rental agreement showing landlord contact information and monthly rent amount
3Proof of income: pay stubs, tax return, unemployment benefit statements, or written self-attestation of income
4Evidence of financial hardship: layoff notice, medical bills, unemployment documentation, or written self-attestation
5Landlord cooperation: most programs require landlord to participate and provide banking information for direct payment
6Government-issued ID for adult household members

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the public housing agency that handles Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Good Neighbor Next Door

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HOPWA — Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD Housing Counseling Assistance