Paying rent has become one of the biggest financial pressures facing many households. Rising housing costs, job losses, and unexpected emergencies can quickly put renters at risk of eviction. Emergency rental assistance programs were created to step in during 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 helps tenants who have fallen behind on rent or are facing the possibility of eviction. The purpose is straightforward: provide short-term support so households can stay housed while they work through financial hardship.
Funds are typically used for:
These programs are meant to address urgent situations. They are not long-term affordable housing solutions, but a way to stabilize housing when time is short.
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.
In most areas, the structure looks something like this:
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 show they experienced financial hardship. That can take different forms, including:
Some programs ask for supporting documents. Others allow self-attestation forms. The intent is to move eligible households through the process without unnecessary delay and reduce the risk of housing instability.
Most applications require proof of income and proof of housing costs. Gathering paperwork ahead of time can prevent delays once the application is submitted. Common documents include:
Some programs also request verification of household members and details about financial hardship. Keeping copies for your records can make it easier to follow up if questions arise about application status.
In most areas, renters apply through an online portal operated by a state-administered program or local housing agency. In some communities, applications are handled in person at a community office or by phone through a designated hotline.
Applicants should expect to provide:
Having this information ready can make the submission process smoother.
Once the application is submitted, renters can usually review their application status through the same portal or by contacting the local program directly. Processing times vary, especially when funds are limited. Checking in periodically and responding promptly to requests for additional documentation can prevent avoidable delays.
In many situations, payments are sent straight to the landlord or property manager. That approach helps bring the account current and lowers the immediate risk of eviction. Some programs will issue payment to the tenant if a landlord declines to participate, though that varies by location.
Households that are also behind on basic services may qualify for utility assistance. These funds can be applied to water, electricity, gas, or internet bills. In some communities, programs coordinate directly with utility providers to prevent shutoffs and restore service more quickly.
These programs are not limited to monthly rent. In certain cases, housing assistance may extend to moving expenses, security deposits, or short-term motel stays for families who would otherwise lose housing.
Some renters may also qualify for affordable housing or subsidized housing programs. Unlike emergency rental assistance, those options are structured for longer-term affordability, often adjusting rent based on income. For households with limited financial resources, pairing short-term help with longer-term housing support can make a meaningful difference.
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:
Since programs vary by state, renters should check their local housing department website for the most current details.
In addition to state-level efforts, local programs operated by cities and counties continue to offer hands-on support. These initiatives often partner with nonprofits and community groups. In many areas, local agencies provide direct help with applications and may connect tenants to legal aid or housing counseling when needed.
Examples of local support include:
Renters can contact a HUD-certified housing counselor or their local housing authority to learn what options are available nearby.
Once an application is approved, payments are generally sent to landlords, property managers, or utility companies to bring accounts current. That structure reduces the risk of eviction or service shutoff. If a landlord declines to participate, some programs will issue funds directly to the tenant.
Payments may be applied to:
The IRS Emergency Rental Assistance FAQ explains how these funds are treated for tax purposes.
Rental assistance programs can involve obstacles. Common issues include:
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.
Emergency rental assistance does not always stop an eviction. If you receive notice from a landlord or court, seek legal help right away. Most states have free or low-cost legal aid programs. An attorney can:
Do not set the notice aside and hope it resolves itself. Contact a local legal aid office promptly. The CDC’s eviction moratorium article outlines how earlier federal protections operated and why timing still matters.
Property managers and landlords are often required to cooperate with these programs. They may need to confirm rental arrears, complete program forms, and agree to accept payment on the tenant’s behalf.
When communicating with a landlord or property manager:
If a landlord declines to participate, some programs permit direct payment to the tenant. Keep records of all communication in case questions arise later.
The application process can feel like a lot at once. Taking time to organize materials beforehand can reduce back-and-forth.
Tips that often help:
For a full list of government programs, visit USA.gov’s rental assistance page.
Waiting on an approval decision can be one of the hardest parts of the process. In many areas, applications remain pending for weeks or longer because demand outweighs staff capacity.
Delays often stem from:
If your application status has not changed, contact the program or housing authority directly. Following up can sometimes move things forward before available funds are fully committed.
Emergency rental assistance addresses immediate risk, but it does not solve ongoing income gaps. Once accounts are current, renters should look ahead and make adjustments that reduce the chance of falling behind again.
Practical steps include:
Credit.org’s Budgeting Calculator can help families compare rent obligations with other necessary expenses and adjust spending accordingly.
Rental assistance is often part of a broader network of community services. In many areas, tenants may also find:
Organizations such as the Salvation Army offer free support for rent and utilities nationwide. Local nonprofits can also point renters toward programs that are not widely advertised.
Funding is not unlimited. When programs pause applications or exhaust available dollars, renters may need to evaluate other options.
Possible next steps include:
The HUD Helping Americans page provides information on affordable housing resources. The NCSHA emergency housing assistance directory lists programs across the country that may still be accepting applications.
Some households qualify for more than one type of support at the same time. A renter might receive emergency rental assistance for past-due rent while also applying for energy assistance to address high utility bills. Using more than one program can make it easier to stabilize housing rather than relying on a single source of help.
Ask your local housing authority whether overlapping programs are allowed and how they coordinate benefits. The CFPB help page outlines options for renters seeking assistance with both rent and utilities.
Even after applying for assistance, eviction can still move forward in some cases. When that happens, legal help becomes important. Most communities have free or low-cost legal aid offices that can:
An eviction notice should never be ignored. Acting quickly may create time for assistance to be processed and help tenants remain housed.
The following organizations provide current information on emergency rental assistance and related housing programs:
For personalized guidance, Credit.org offers HUD housing counseling support to help renters identify programs available in their area.
Emergency rental assistance programs serve as a safeguard for renters facing eviction, rising bills, or sudden income loss. At their core, they exist to help families stay housed and keep rent and utilities current when income falls short.
If you are having trouble paying rent, begin the application process as soon as possible. Communicate with your landlord and use available community resources while your request is pending.
If you are already behind on rent or juggling unpaid bills and other debt payments, support is available. Credit.org’s Distressed Renter Counseling provides free, confidential guidance to review your budget, identify assistance programs, and outline steps to remain in your home. Reaching out can help you regain control and move toward stability.
