MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE
This state emergency rental assistance program is beneficial to landlords whose tenants are behind on their rent and need help paying past due rent and/or utility bills. It can help tenants whose household income is below 80% of the area median.
Important Note: Beware of anyone trying to charge for application assistance. The application process is 100% FREE.
How to Qualify
Who is eligible?
Eligible households as defined by the U.S. Treasury Department must meet the following requirements:
1. Household income may not exceed 80% of area median. You can check income median limits here.
2. One of more member of household is at risk of homelessness or is experiencing housing instability
3. One of more member of household qualifies for unemployment benefits, has experienced income reduction, incurred significant cost, or has experienced some other financial hardship related to COVID
Eligible households can receive a maximum of 15 months of assistance with making rent and utility bills current.
Eligible households that include one or more member who has been unemployed for 90 days or longer are given priority. Households whose income is below 50% of the area median will be given priority.
How do I apply?
You can follow the detailed application guide here. Fill out the application here.
TENANTS will need the following documents:
1. Current photo identification (driver’s license, passport, state identification card)
2. Fully executed, current lease or rental agreement. If a current lease is not available, the following documentation is acceptable:
Signed landlord documentation to prove residency or utility bill to prove residency
Landlord signed Amount of Rental Obligation Form
Bank or credit card statements
3. Documentation proving income
Copy of tax form 1040
Acceptable documents include bank statements, pay stubs, social security documents, unemployment benefits documents, child support documents, self-employment certification form, letter from employer verifying income
4. Evidence of risk for homelessness or housing instability
Past due or eviction notice
Disconnect notice from utility provider
Proof of credit card use to pay for basic household necessities
Copies of medical bills that prevented rent or utility payments
Evidence of financial hardship related to COVID
Documents from Mississippi Department of Employment Security verifying a household member qualifies for unemployment benefits
5. Landlord participation form
6. If requesting assistance with utility bills, copy of bill
LANDLORDS will need the following documents:
1. IRS W-9
2. Authorization for direct deposit
FAQ
Is there a fee for applying?
No.
Is there a deadline to apply?
There is not a deadline at this time. Any future deadline will depend on the availability of funds and program guidelines.
What does the assistance pay for?
Financial assistance is provided to eligible households to pay for past due and future rent, past due utility bills, and home energy costs.
What do I do if I need help filling out the application?
Contact the call center at 601-533-8401 or toll free at 1-888-725-0063.
If I’m turned down for assistance, will I be told why?
Yes. The notification will include the reason(s) your application was not approve.
Can my landlord still evict me if I’m getting assistance through this program?
When your landlord accepts payments from the program, you cannot be evicted for a certain length of time (90 days after the payments end) except for cause such as criminal activity.
How will I get my money?
The funds are sent directly to landlords and utility providers to be applied to past due rent. If the landlord or utility providers decline to participate in the program, tenants will receive the funds.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, unless the information on your application is false or fraudulent.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount you can receive?
No.
How do I know my landlord or utility company has received payment?
You will receive notification of the payment by the program.
