HOUSING HELP | How to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
The Advoc8te is sharing the below information from the DC Department of Human Services website. If you are a DC resident who meets the income requirements and needs help paying your rent please consider applying for the ERAP program ASAP! There is no shame in needing a little help.
P.S. If you were approved for Stay DC rent or utility payments in 2021 and the payment still hasn’t been made, you should contact the DC Department of Human Services. The StayDC customer service hotline was deactivated at the end of the program. I’ve heard from several people who have been having a hard time contacting StayDC staff through the StayDC website. I hope this tip helps!
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps District residents earning less than 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are facing housing emergencies, by providing funding for overdue rent including late fees and court costs if a qualified household is facing eviction. The program also supports security deposits and the first month's rent for residents moving into new apartments. To view eligibility requirements and apply for ERAP, please click the following link: https://erap.dhs.dc.gov
For additional questions or concerns about emergency rental assistance, please contact ERAP.Program@dc.gov.
Q: What is the Emergency Rental Assistance Program?
A: The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps District residents earning less than 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are facing housing emergencies, by providing funding for overdue rent including late fees and court costs if qualified household is facing eviction. The program also supports security deposits and the first month's rent for residents moving into new apartments. The amount paid on behalf of eligible households depends on a household's income and available resources and is subject to certain limitations.
Q: How much does ERAP provide for back rent arrears?
A: Per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Rent Reasonableness Guidelines, ERAP may provide up to five times the rental amount based on the area zip code and bedroom size of the apartment/house. https://dhs.dc.gov/page/monthly-income-limits-fair-market-rent
Q: How much does ERAP provide for security deposit and first-month rent?
A: ERAP payment for the first month’s rent shall not exceed the actual amount of one month’s unsubsidized rent. The security deposit shall be the actual amount of the deposit which may not exceed one month’s unsubsidized rent.
Q: Can I apply for security deposit and first month rent for a unit outside of DC?
A: When you apply for ERAP, you need to be a current DC resident. However, you are able to apply for security deposit and first month rent for a unit in a neighboring county (for example: Prince Georges County, Montgomery County, Arlington County, etc.).
Q: How many times a year can I apply for and receive ERAP?
A: You may apply for and receive ERAP once within a 12-month period.
Q: Do I have to be a DC resident to apply for DC ERAP?
A: Yes, DC ERAP is limited to current DC residents. To apply for the past due rent assistance program, you would need to be the leaseholder for a DC unit. In addition, you must be currently leasing a DC unit for which you are applying for assistance. If you are currently a resident of Maryland or Virginia, please contact their local social services department.
Q: What is the general timeframe for my application to be processed?
A: Applications are processed in the order that they are received. Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by one of six community based organizations that administer the ERAP program. When an organization has started reviewing your application, you will receive an email notification. Once all documents are submitted from both you and your landlord, your eligibility will be determined within ten days.
Note: Payments are always made directly to your landlord/property management company.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: To meet the basic eligibility requirements for ERAP, you need to be a DC resident, you need to be at least 30 days behind in rent for back rental assistance applicants or have a threat of homelessness for security deposit and first month’s rent assistance applicants and your household needs to be under the income limits.
Q: What are the monthly income limits?
A: The monthly income limit depends on your household size. Here is a chart below that details the income limits per household size. https://dhs.dc.gov/page/monthly-income-limits-fair-market-rent
