Emergency Rental Assistance Programs help renters and landlords find assistance in their local areas. States and local communities are given flexibility in order to best suit the needs of local residents. They must comply with the U.S. Treasury, the ERA statute, and their financial assistance agreements however.

How to Qualify

Who is eligible for assistance?


The maximum tenant household income cannot exceed 80% of the area’s median income. In addition, one or more household members must certify in writing that because of the pandemic they experienced reduced or other financial hardship or qualified for unemployment.

They must further show they are in danger of becoming homeless and/or are living in unsafe housing. Applicants must be living in the property for which they are requesting rent and utility help.

How do you apply?


Landlords
You can apply online at ERAAlabama.com or call toll free (833) 620-2434 and apply over the phone. Representatives can assist in several different languages.

If applying online, landlords can create a Landlord Profile. They can list all the properties they manage and all the tenants who need assistance. After the profile is completed and submitted, the system automatically emails every tenant in need of assistance and asks for a completed Tenant Profile.

If tenants don’t have access to email, the landlord can print a copy of the application, get a signature, and upload the application and required documents for the tenant. If necessary, a program representative will contact the tenant and help them gather the necessary documentation and complete the application.

You only have to file one application to request assistance for all tenants in need.

For complete information on the application process and the documents you will need to complete an application, go to ERAAlabama’s application process page.

Tenants
You can apply online at ERAAlabama.com or call toll free (833) 620-2434 and apply over the phone. Representatives can assist in several different languages.

You can apply directly for past unpaid rents and future rents as well as utility assistance. If your landlord is participating in the program, you can fill out the paperwork directly, and a program representative will contact the landlord for additional information. You and your landlord may also work together and have the landlord submit the application for you.

If your landlord isn’t participating in the program, you can still fill out the application and submit it. The information is subject to verification. You may also contact a program representative at (833) 620-2434, and complete the application over the phone.

If you don’t have access to email or the ability to upload your application and documentation, you can call (833) 620-2434 to receive instructions for sending the paperwork via the U.S. mail.

What documents are needed to complete the application?


  • Identification for all household members eighteen or older

  • Signed copy of your lease or a copy of a rent receipt

  • Rental ledger covering the time period for which assistance is requested

  • Notices of late payments or eviction notices

  • Copies of unpaid utility bills for which you are requesting assistance (Bills must in the name of the tenant who is requesting the assistance)

  • Income verification for all household members eighteen or older


If you filed 2020 federal income taxes, you will need:

  • Copy of filed 1040 or 1040-SR


If you have not filed 2020 incomes taxes, you will be required to provide one of the following:

  • 2020 W-2

  • Social Security letter outlining current benefits or 1099-SA

  • 1099-R

  • Contractor income form 1099-MISC


Other acceptable forms of income verification include:

  • Previous month’s check stubs

  • Current unemployment letter (must include gross amount of benefits)

  • Letter from your employer verifying your gross income

  • Retirement/ benefits/pension letter

  • Annuity payment letter

  • 1099-INT interest statement

  • 1099-DIV dividend statement

  • Self-employed certification of income

  • Zero income form


For complete information on necessary documentation, go to theProgram Documents web page.

FAQ


What assistance is provided?
The program funds a maximum of fifteen months assistance for the following:

  • Rent - up to three months of future rent

  • Past due rent - up to twelve months

  • Utilities - this includes electricity, water, trash, sewer, home energy costs. Cable, satellite tv, internet, and telephone service are not included.

Are 2020 past due rents and utility bills eligible for assistance?
Yes. Households can receive a maximum of 12 months assistance, plus an extra three months, if it is deemed necessary for household stability and if there are still funds available. Back rent must be paid before assistance for future rents will be considered. Once unpaid rents and utility bills are reduced, the program will provide assistance in three month time periods. Tenants must reapply at the end of each time period.

How are payments made?

ACH direct deposit. Bank routing information is part of the application process.