Who is Eligible for ERAP?

Not everyone qualifies for ERAP, as the program is designed for households with specific financial and income-based challenges. Here’s what you need to know:

Tenant Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, tenants must meet these basic requirements:

1. Income Limits: Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your region. You can check your AMI by contacting your local ERAP office or visiting their website.
2. Proof of Financial Hardship: You must demonstrate financial difficulty due to job loss, reduced income, unexpected expenses, or other emergencies.
3. Risk of Housing Instability: You must show evidence of potential eviction, homelessness, or utility disconnection. Examples include an eviction notice, past-due rent or utility bills, or a written statement explaining your hardship.
4. Residency and Citizenship: At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or otherwise eligible for government assistance.

What About Landlords?

Landlords can apply on behalf of tenants to receive ERAP funds, but the process requires cooperation between the tenant and landlord. To participate, landlords must agree to:

• Waive late fees for covered rental arrears.
• Not evict tenants for at least 12 months following receipt of ERAP payments (in most cases).
• Accept ERAP funds as payment for outstanding rent.

Documents You’ll Need to Apply

Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, you’ll need specific documentation to complete the application:

For Tenants:

• Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
• Income verification (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns, or unemployment benefits).
• A copy of your lease or a letter from your landlord stating the amount of rent owed.
• Past-due utility bills, if seeking assistance for utilities.
• Landlord’s contact information, including email address, for coordination.

For Landlords:

• A completed W-9 tax form.
• Proof of past-due rent, such as a rent ledger or signed lease agreement.
• Bank details for direct deposit.

Both parties must agree to the program’s terms and collaborate to complete the application.

To find your local ERAP authority, try searching online using the phrase “find my local ERAP” and look for your state’s department of housing or affairs website.  You can also visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s ERAP webpage or contact your state’s housing department. This will connect you directly to the relevant state resources for applying to ERAP.

Think you’re eligible? Learn how to apply for ERAP on the next page.