If you are behind on rent or worried about eviction, Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs may be able to help. These emergency rental assistance programs provide short-term financial aid directly to landlords or utility providers on behalf of qualifying households — and in many cases, funds can be approved within a few weeks.
House for Homeless has put together this complete guide on how ERA programs work, who qualifies, what costs are covered, and exactly how to apply.
Facing eviction right now? Call 211 immediately for emergency rental assistance referrals in your area. Many ERA programs can process urgent applications faster when eviction proceedings have already started.
What Is Emergency Rental Assistance?
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) is a federally funded program that provides short-term financial help to households that cannot pay rent or utilities due to financial hardship. ERA funds are distributed by state, county, and city governments — not a single national program — which means availability, eligibility rules, and application processes vary by location.
ERA programs can pay for:
- Past-due rent (arrears)
- Current and future rent (up to 3 months at a time in most programs)
- Past-due utility bills (electricity, gas, water, internet in some programs)
- Relocation costs in some programs when staying in current housing is not possible
ERA does not provide cash to tenants. Payments go directly to landlords or utility providers.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funded by | Federal government (Treasury Department) |
| Administered by | State, county, and city governments |
| Who applies | Tenant or landlord (varies by program) |
| Payment goes to | Landlord or utility company directly |
| Income limit | Typically at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) |
| Priority groups | Households at or below 50% AMI; unemployed 90+ days |
| Covered costs | Rent arrears, current rent, utilities, sometimes relocation |
| Processing time | 2–6 weeks in most programs; faster for imminent evictions |
Who Qualifies for Emergency Rental Assistance?
ERA eligibility is based on income, financial hardship, and housing status. While each program sets its own rules, most follow the federal guidelines established by the U.S. Treasury Department.
Income Requirements
Your household’s gross income must generally be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your area. Most programs prioritize households at or below 50% of AMI or households where at least one member has been unemployed for 90 days or more.
| Household Size | 80% AMI (approximate national average) | 50% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$48,000–$65,000/year | ~$30,000–$40,000/year |
| 2 people | ~$55,000–$74,000/year | ~$34,000–$46,000/year |
| 3 people | ~$62,000–$83,000/year | ~$38,000–$52,000/year |
| 4 people | ~$68,000–$92,000/year | ~$43,000–$58,000/year |
Income limits vary significantly by county. Check your local ERA program for exact figures.
Financial Hardship Requirement
You must demonstrate financial hardship related to your inability to pay rent. Acceptable documentation typically includes:
- A layoff or termination notice
- Documentation of reduced work hours or pay cuts
- Medical bills or unexpected large expenses
- A self-written statement explaining your hardship (accepted by many programs in place of formal documentation)
Housing Status
You must be a renter — ERA does not assist homeowners. You must also be at risk of housing instability, which can mean:
- You have past-due rent
- You have received an eviction notice
- You have missed one or more rent payments
- You are at risk of losing housing due to financial hardship
You do not need to have already received an eviction notice to qualify. Being behind on rent or at risk is sufficient in most programs.
What ERA Does and Does Not Cover
Understanding what ERA pays for — and what it does not — will help you determine whether it fits your situation.
What ERA Typically Covers
| Expense | Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Past-due rent | ✓ Yes | Can cover months of arrears in most programs |
| Current month’s rent | ✓ Yes | Usually covered alongside arrears |
| Future rent (up to 3 months) | ✓ Often | Some programs cover prospective rent to stabilize housing |
| Electricity arrears | ✓ Often | When utilities are separate from rent |
| Gas arrears | ✓ Often | Varies by program |
| Water arrears | ✓ Sometimes | Less common but available in some areas |
| Internet service | ✓ Some programs | Limited availability |
| Late fees | ✓ Sometimes | If included in your lease |
| Relocation costs | ✓ Some programs | Moving costs when staying is not viable |
What ERA Does Not Cover
- Mortgage payments (homeowners must seek separate assistance)
- Hotel or motel stays (contact 211 for hotel voucher programs)
- Security deposits for a new unit (some programs offer this separately)
- Personal expenses such as groceries or transportation
- Units rented from immediate family members (most programs exclude this)
How Much Can You Receive?
ERA programs do not have a fixed maximum benefit. The amount you receive depends on:
- Your actual rent amount
- The number of months of arrears you have
- The specific rules of your local program
- Available program funding
Most programs will cover up to 12 months of rent arrears plus up to 3 months of future rent in a single application cycle — for a potential total of up to 15 months of assistance. Some programs cap total assistance at lower amounts depending on available funding.
There is no income you receive from ERA — payments go to your landlord. The benefit to you is that your debt to your landlord is cleared and your housing is stabilized.
How to Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance: Step by Step
Step 1: Find the ERA Program in Your Area
ERA is not a single program — it is a network of locally administered funds. To find the program serving your zip code:
- Call 211 and ask for emergency rental assistance programs in your area
- Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s ERA finder
- Search your county or city name plus “emergency rental assistance” or “ERA program”
- Contact your local community action agency, which often administers ERA or can refer you to the right program
Some states have one central ERA program; others have dozens of county-level and city-level programs operating simultaneously. You may be eligible to apply to more than one.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Most ERA programs require the following before processing your application:
You will need:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, award letters, or zero-income declaration)
- Current lease or rental agreement showing your name, address, and monthly rent
- Past-due rent notice or statement from your landlord showing the amount owed
- Landlord contact information (name, address, phone, and payment details)
- Documentation of financial hardship (layoff notice, medical bills, or written statement)
For a complete breakdown of documents by program type, see our housing assistance document checklist.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Most ERA programs accept applications online, by phone, or in person. The application will ask for:
- Household information — names, ages, income sources, and relationships
- Rental information — current address, landlord details, monthly rent amount
- Arrears details — how many months behind you are and the total amount owed
- Income documentation — uploaded or emailed copies of income proof
- Hardship explanation — why you are unable to pay rent
Tip: Many programs allow landlords to apply on behalf of tenants. If your landlord is aware of ERA, ask them to initiate the application — it can speed up the process since the payment goes to them anyway.
Step 4: Landlord Participation
For ERA to work, your landlord must agree to participate. This typically means:
- Confirming the amount of rent owed
- Providing banking information for the direct payment
- Agreeing not to pursue eviction while the application is being processed (required in many programs)
- Signing a landlord certification form
If your landlord refuses to participate, contact the ERA program office. Some programs can issue payment directly to you, or issue a two-party check. Others have provisions for uncooperative landlords.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Most ERA programs take 2–6 weeks to process applications. Factors that affect processing time include:
- Completeness of your application
- Whether your landlord has responded
- Volume of applications the program is handling
- Whether you have an active eviction case (often prioritized)
If you have already received an eviction notice or have a court date scheduled, tell the program office immediately. Most ERA administrators will expedite reviews for households facing imminent eviction.
Step 6: Receive Confirmation and Payment
Once approved, the ERA program will:
- Notify you and your landlord of the approval
- Send payment directly to the landlord (or utility company)
- Provide you with a payment summary showing amounts and dates
Keep a copy of your approval letter — it can be used in eviction court to demonstrate that rent assistance is on the way, which may delay or stop eviction proceedings.
What to Do If You Are Denied
Denial does not mean you are out of options. Common reasons for denial include:
- Income above the program’s limit
- Missing documentation
- Landlord refused to participate
- Program funding exhausted
Steps to take after denial:
- Request the reason in writing — you are entitled to know why you were denied
- Appeal if documentation was missing — many programs allow you to resubmit with complete documentation
- Apply to a different ERA program — if your county’s program is full, your city or state may have a separate fund
- Contact a housing counselor — HUD-approved housing counselors offer free assistance navigating these situations. Find one at hud.gov
- Explore other rental assistance options — see our full guide to rental assistance programs
ERA and Eviction: What You Need to Know
Receiving an ERA application confirmation does not automatically stop an eviction. However, it can significantly strengthen your position in eviction proceedings.
- Bring proof of your ERA application to any eviction court hearing
- Ask the judge for a continuance — courts in many states will delay eviction proceedings when rental assistance is pending
- Contact a legal aid organization — free legal help for tenants facing eviction is available in most areas through local legal aid societies
If you need emergency shelter while awaiting ERA processing, call 211 or browse emergency shelter resources in your state.
Finding ERA Programs by State
ERA programs are administered at the state, county, and city level. Every state has at least one program, and many have dozens. The fastest way to find the program nearest to you is to call 211 or use the CFPB’s rental assistance finder.
As we publish state-specific rental assistance guides, links will be added here. You can also use the apply for housing assistance state directory to find resources in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does emergency rental assistance take to process?
Most ERA programs process applications within 2–6 weeks. If you have an active eviction notice or a court date scheduled, tell the program office immediately — most programs expedite reviews for households facing imminent eviction. Incomplete applications take longer; submit all required documents upfront to avoid delays.
Can I apply for ERA if I am already being evicted?
Yes — and you should apply as soon as possible. An active eviction notice often qualifies you for faster processing. Bring documentation of your ERA application to your eviction court hearing; judges in many states will delay proceedings when rental assistance is pending.
Does ERA pay my landlord directly?
Yes. In almost all ERA programs, funds are paid directly to the landlord or utility company — not to the tenant. Some programs issue a two-party check when landlords are uncooperative. ERA is not a cash benefit.
What if my landlord refuses to participate in ERA?
Contact the ERA program office and explain the situation. Some programs can pay you directly, issue a two-party check, or work with your landlord through an intermediary. If your landlord is actively refusing assistance as a way to proceed with eviction, a local legal aid organization can help.
Can I get ERA more than once?
Possibly. Most ERA programs limit total assistance to 12–18 months of help within any 12-month period. If you received ERA previously and are in need again, you may be eligible to reapply once that period has passed. Contact the program that previously assisted you to ask about reapplication rules.
Does ERA cover utilities?
Yes, in most programs. ERA commonly covers electricity, gas, and water arrears. Some programs also cover internet service. For dedicated utility programs, see our guide to utility assistance programs. Utility assistance is typically processed separately from rent assistance — you may need to submit a separate application or section for utilities.
Will ERA affect my taxes or other benefits?
ERA payments are made to your landlord, not to you, so they are generally not counted as taxable income for you. They are also generally not counted as income for purposes of determining eligibility for other benefits like SNAP or Medicaid. However, tax and benefit rules are complex — consult a tax professional or benefits counselor if you have specific concerns.
What is the difference between ERA1 and ERA2?
ERA1 and ERA2 refer to two rounds of federal Emergency Rental Assistance funding authorized in 2020 and 2021. Most of these funds have now been distributed, and many ERA programs are operating on state or local funding. When you apply today, you are likely applying to a state or locally funded program — the application process is the same regardless of the funding source.