If you’re still struggling to pay your rent, you may qualify for up $10,000 in rental assistance.
$25 billion dollars was approved by Congress last Dec. to help struggling Americans make up for missed rent.
Another $21.55 billion followed the next year in March as part of the American Rescue Plan. This was separate from the third stimulus check worth $1,400.
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As of the end of Sept., the Treasury reports that only $10 billion has been given out.
In Aug. the Biden administration tried enforcing an eviction ban but they were blocked. This meant landlords could start evicting their tenants.
Support is being given to states with renters in need, but applying is required.
Who gets rental assistance and how do you apply?
In order to get the assistance, you must be both behind on your rent and have suffered financial hardship due to the pandemic.
States have different local income requirements you need to meet. Usually your household’s income may not exceed 80% of the median income.
New York requires you to also be getting unemployment benefits or prove you have a lower income. Showing you could become homeless without the support also helps.
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The amount you get depends on your own situation and where you live.
Federally people can get up to 18 months of help that works to pay for overdue and current rent.
Whether you get the full 18 months is up to the state. New Jersey only offers up to $10,000 over a 6 month span.
Connecticut offers the $10,000 rental assistance along with $1,500 toward utilities.
Massachusetts gives up to $10,000 during the state of emergency as well as $7,000 more for 6 months after the emergency is lifted.
Arizona offers $3,500 per month for rent and utilities for up to 18 months, which gives people a maximum of $63,000.
Anyone with overdue rent must pay anything they owe before putting it towards future rentals.
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