Paying rent has become one of the biggest financial struggles for millions of households. Rising housing costs, job losses, and unexpected emergencies leave many renters at risk of eviction. Emergency rental assistance programs were created to provide relief in these moments. These programs cover past-due rent, future rent, utility bills, and other housing-related costs.
If you are struggling, it is important to know what help is available and how to apply. Acting quickly can mean the difference between staying in your home and facing eviction.
Emergency rental assistance is designed for tenants who are behind on rent or at risk of losing their housing. These programs provide temporary support so families can remain stable while they recover from financial hardship.
Funds may be used for:
Unlike long-term affordable housing programs, emergency rental assistance responds quickly to immediate needs.
Most programs are funded by the federal government but managed locally. That means each state, city, or tribal government may run its own program with slightly different rules.
Here is how the structure typically works:
Local governments may also work with nonprofit organizations and utility companies to distribute funds and keep renters in their homes.
Eligibility often depends on income compared to the area median income (AMI). Renters may qualify if their income is less than 80% of the AMI where they live. Some programs prioritize households at or below 50% of AMI or those with members who are unemployed.
Both median income and area median income are used to ensure the funds reach households with the greatest need.
To qualify, households must also show that they experienced financial hardship. This may include:
Some programs require documentation, while others accept self-attestation forms to prove hardship. The goal is to help eligible households quickly and prevent housing instability.
Applying for assistance requires proof of both income and housing costs. Renters should gather documents early so applications can be processed faster. Common items include:
Some programs also ask for proof of household members and financial hardship. Keeping copies of all documents will help if the application status needs to be reviewed later.
Most renters apply online through an application portal provided by a state-administered program or local agency. Others may need to visit a community office or call a hotline.
During the process, renters should be prepared to provide:
After submitting an application, renters can check their application status online or by contacting their local program. Because funds are limited, delays are common. It is important to follow up regularly and respond quickly if additional documentation is requested.
In many cases, programs pay rent directly to the landlord or property manager. This ensures rent is covered and reduces the risk of eviction. Some programs also allow funds to be sent directly to tenants if the landlord refuses to participate.
For households also behind on utilities, many programs include utility assistance. These funds can cover water, electricity, gas, or internet bills. In some areas, assistance is provided through partnerships with utility companies, ensuring that essential services remain connected.
Many renters think of these programs only in terms of monthly rent, but they can also help with broader housing assistance. This may include moving costs, deposits, and even motel stays for families who would otherwise be homeless.
In addition, some programs overlap with affordable housing or subsidized housing programs. These provide longer-term solutions by adjusting rent based on income. For families with low incomes or limited financial resources, combining short-term emergency rental assistance with long-term housing programs can create more stability.
The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program began as part of federal relief efforts during the pandemic. Billions of dollars were distributed to states, territories, local governments, and tribal governments to help renters who could not pay their bills.
While some ERA funds have been fully spent, many states and cities still have programs running. The ERA program covers:
To apply, renters usually need to submit proof of income, financial hardship, and rental obligations. Funds are limited, so applying early is critical. The NLIHC ERA Dashboard tracks which programs are still active nationwide.
Each state has its own approach to distributing funds. State administered programs often operate through housing departments or special portals. Renters in larger states, such as New York State, may have more than one program available depending on where they live.
For example:
Because every state-administered program is different, renters should check their local housing department website for the most current information.
Along with state programs, local programs run by cities and counties continue to provide critical assistance. These often work in partnership with nonprofits and community organizations. Local agencies may provide one-on-one help with applications and connect tenants with legal aid or housing counseling.
Examples of local support:
Renters should contact a HUD-certified housing counselor or housing authority to find out what help is available in their community.
When applications are approved, funds are typically sent directly to landlords, property managers, or utility companies. This ensures that rent and utility obligations are covered. In some cases, if the landlord does not participate, renters may receive assistance directly.
Payments may cover:
The IRS Emergency Rental Assistance FAQ provides details on how funds are treated for tax purposes.
While these programs are critical, they are not perfect. Renters often face:
Renters should keep copies of all documents, track their application status regularly, and follow up with the local program if delays occur. The NCSHA Emergency Housing Assistance page lists active programs by state.
Even with emergency rental assistance, some renters still face eviction. If this happens, seeking legal help is essential. Free or low-cost legal aid services are available in most states. Attorneys can:
If you receive an eviction notice, do not ignore it. Contact a local legal aid office immediately. The CDC’s eviction moratorium article explains how past federal protections worked and why acting quickly is so important today.
Property managers and landlords play a central role in these programs. They must often agree to accept payments on behalf of tenants, complete required documentation, and verify rental arrears.
When working with a landlord or property manager:
If landlords refuse to participate, some programs allow renters to receive assistance directly. Communication is key, and tenants should document all conversations.
Applying for assistance can feel overwhelming, but preparation makes a difference. Tenants who organize paperwork and follow directions closely are more likely to receive assistance quickly.
Tips for success:
For a full list of government programs, visit USA.gov’s rental assistance page.
One of the biggest frustrations renters face is waiting to learn if their application has been approved. Programs may take weeks or even months to process due to high demand.
Common reasons for delays include:
If your application status remains unchanged for a long time, follow up with your local program or housing authority. Persistence can help you receive assistance before funds are exhausted.
Emergency rental assistance provides short-term relief, but it is equally important to plan for the future. Once rent and utility bills are current, renters should create a budget to avoid falling behind again.
Steps to strengthen housing stability:
Credit.org’s Budgeting Calculator is a free tool that can help families plan their rent obligations alongside other necessary expenses.
Many local agencies provide more than just rental assistance. Tenants can also access:
Organizations like the Salvation Army provide free support for rent and utilities nationwide. Renters should also reach out to community nonprofits for additional help.
Unfortunately, some programs eventually run out of funds or close applications. If this happens, tenants should consider other housing options, such as:
The HUD Helping Americans page offers resources for renters seeking affordable options. The NCSHA emergency housing assistance directory also lists current programs across the country.
In many cases, households may qualify for more than one form of assistance. For example, renters might receive emergency rental assistance for overdue rent while also applying for energy assistance to cover high utility bills. Combining services from multiple local agencies increases the likelihood of maintaining stable housing.
Renters should ask their local housing authority if they can receive assistance from overlapping programs. The CFPB help page offers a list of options for renters needing help with both rent and bills.
Even with assistance, some renters may still face eviction. When this happens, legal help can be critical. Free or low-cost legal aid offices operate in most communities. They can:
Renters should never ignore eviction notices. Acting quickly can help tenants remain in their homes while waiting to receive assistance.
For more information, these organizations and agencies provide updated details on emergency rental assistance and related programs:
For direct guidance, Credit.org also offers HUD housing counseling support, helping renters connect with the right programs in their communities.
Emergency rental assistance programs are a lifeline for renters facing eviction, mounting bills, and financial hardship. These programs were created to keep families in their homes, cover rent and utility bills, and prevent widespread housing instability.
If you are struggling to pay rent, do not wait until the eviction notice arrives. Apply for assistance as soon as possible, contact your landlord, and use community resources to get the support you need.
If you are already in a rental property but struggling with overdue rent, unpaid bills, or mounting debt payments, you do not have to face it alone. Credit.org’s Distressed Renter Counseling provides free, confidential support to help you review your budget, explore assistance programs, and create a plan to stay in your home. Reaching out today can give you the tools and confidence you need to regain stability.
