Struggling to pay rent can be overwhelming—but you are not alone, and there is help available. The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program is designed to support renters in times of crisis, especially those affected by income loss, rising costs, or unexpected emergencies. If you’re behind on rent or worried about eviction, this guide will help you apply step-by-step—without the stress.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, check whether you meet these basic requirements. You likely qualify if:

• You’ve experienced financial hardship—such as reduced income, job loss, or increased expenses due to COVID-19 or another crisis.
• You’re at risk of housing instability or homelessness—for example, you’ve received a late notice or eviction warning.
• Your income is within limits—typically at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which varies by location.

Some programs prioritize applications from households with very low incomes or those who’ve been unemployed for 90+ days.

Step 2: Gather the Documents You’ll Need

Being prepared can make your application smoother and faster. Here’s what most programs will ask for:

• Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, unemployment letters, tax returns)
• Rental agreement or lease contract
• Past-due notices or eviction warning letters
• Utility bills (if you're applying for utility help)

Step 3: Find Your Local ERA Program

Emergency Rental Assistance is managed by local cities, counties, and states. To find yours:

• Visit CFPB’s Rental Assistance Locator
• Contact your local housing authority or city government
• Dial 2-1-1 and ask for rental assistance programs near you

Each location has different rules and portals, so it’s important to apply through your local program—even if you’ve seen federal or national headlines about rental aid.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Follow your program’s instructions carefully. You may apply:

• Online (most common)
• By phone (some programs have call-in support for seniors or those without internet)
• In person (check with local community action agencies)

Be thorough, accurate, and double-check that you've uploaded or attached all requested documents. Incomplete applications may be delayed or denied.

Step 5: Follow Up and Stay Informed

After submitting:

• Check your email and voicemail frequently for updates
• Respond quickly to any requests for missing documents
• Keep track of your application number or reference code

Processing times vary—some approvals happen in a week, while others may take several weeks, especially in larger counties or cities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are some of the most common issues that delay or deny rental assistance applications:

• Missing documentation: Double-check all document uploads and make sure they’re readable (no blurry photos).
• Incomplete information: Leaving blank fields in your application or contact forms can result in delays.
• Not checking spam folders: Many agencies email updates, and critical communications may land in junk or spam folders.
• Applying to the wrong program: Some people apply to statewide portals even though their city or county runs its own ERA program.
• Assuming your landlord won’t cooperate: Some programs allow direct payments to tenants if landlords choose not to participate—don’t let this stop you from applying!

Quick Checklist: What You Need to Apply

Use this as your pre-application checklist to stay organized:

• [ ] Valid photo ID
• [ ] Proof of income or job loss (e.g., pay stubs, unemployment letter)
• [ ] Lease or rental agreement
• [ ] Late rent notices or proof of rent owed
• [ ] Utility bills (if applying for assistance)
• [ ] Landlord contact info (email/phone)
• [ ] Application link or contact information for local ERA office

Bonus Tip: Save all these documents in a folder—physical or digital—for easy access in case you need to reapply or speak to a caseworker.

Need Help With the Application?

If the process feels confusing or overwhelming, you can:

• Call 2-1-1 for free help finding local rental aid and guidance
• Contact a local Community Action Agency
• Reach out to Legal Aid for free legal advice if you're facing eviction

Final Thoughts

Applying for emergency rental assistance doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right steps, proper documents, and a bit of persistence, you can get the support you need to stay safe and secure in your home.

Don’t wait for things to get worse—start the process today. Help is out there, and it’s meant for people just like you.