Due to the passage of a second federal stimulus bill in late December, Pennsylvania counties have begun accepting applications and disbursing funds for their Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP).  Funds from ERAP can be used to pay rent and utilities that is owed from March 13, 2020 through the present date.  To receive the benefits from ERAP an eligible household is defined as follows:

1. Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; and

2. Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and

3. Has a household income at or below 80% of the area median as calculated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

If eligible, funds are directly paid to landlord or utility provider.  Tenants can receive up to 12 months’ rent per household, however continued eligibility for the program will be required every three months.  Allegheny County has created a great resource page at https://covidrentrelief.alleghenycounty.us/ with recorded town halls and trainings for landlords and staff on the application process for EARP.

Beaver, Butler, Fayette are running their EARP programs with DHS and applications are being submitted through the PA DHS COMPASSS system at https://www.compass.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/RAP/Application.  Washington County is running its applications through https://myblueprints.org/emergency-rent-and-utility-assistance/ and Westmoreland County is running its applications through http://www.theunionmission.org/erap.