The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CERA) is administered through a statewide network of nonprofit agencies to assist tenants facing eviction because of the COVID pandemic. The program also assists landlords trying to recoup rent owed.

Apply here.

Either tenants or landlords can start the application process. The tenant’s name, address, and email address and the landlord’s email address must be entered. This will initiate emails to both tenant and landlord requesting the information necessary to complete the application. Both parties will receive emails once the application is processed along with the amount of approved funding.

How to Qualify

Who is eligible?
1. Eligible applicants must not have a household income that exceeds 80% of the area median.
2. Eligible households that have one or more member who is qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced some type of financial hardship related to COVID-19.
3. One or more household member is at risk of homelessness or housing instability because of past due rent or utilities.

Who is not eligible?
1. Households whose income exceeds 80% of area median
2. Households that can’t prove COVID related financial hardship or risk of housing instability or homelessness
3. Households that don’t have past due rent or utility bills
4. Homeowners, land contract holders, or individuals living in commercial properties

How do I apply?
1. Use the online portal to submit your application.
2. Tenants may also apply through their nearest service agency.
3. If you are unable to apply online, contact your closest CERA service agency.

TENANTS will need the following documentation to determine eligibility:
1. A complete CERA application
2. A state issued photo identification or passport (proof of residence if address on the identification doesn’t match the unit)
3. Proof of earned and unearned income of all household members living on the property and over the age of eighteen
4. Household income benefits (SSI, unemployment) - one month OR
Copy of 1040 tax form that was submitted to IRS OR
Food Assistance Program Notice of Case Action (only applicable for households that contain one to three individuals
5. Copy of utility statements
6. Copy of internet bill

LANDLORDS will need the following documentation to determine eligibility:
1. A complete CERA application
2. Copy of lease
3. W-9
4. Rent ledger showing past due amounts
5. Proof of court costs, if any

FAQ

Does CERA provide assistance with past due utility bills?
Yes. Tenants can receive utility bill assistance for electricity, water, sewer, home heating (any kind of fuel), and trash.

A household with one or two persons can receive a one time utility payment (including a $300 future credit) of $1,500.

A household with three or four persons can receive a one time utility payment (including a $500 future credit) of $2,000.

A household with five or more persons can receive a one time utility payment (including a $500 future credit) of $2,500.

How much state emergency rental assistance can I get?
1. Households whose income is 50% or less of area median can receive up to 15 months of assistance.
2. Households whose income is 50% - 80% of area median can receive up to 13 months of assistance.
3. Household may apply for three addition months of assistance as necessary, as long as the total assistance does not exceed the 13 or 15 month limit.

Is there a limit to the amount of assistance I can receive per month?
Yes. There is a program limit of 150% of HUD’s Fair Market Rent which is based on property size and the county in which the property is located.

Does the program pay for internet?
Yes. A $300 stipend is available to households that have home internet and can provide a statement with their application. The payment can be made to the internet provider or the tenant.

Are some tenants given priority?
Yes. The federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program requires states to prioritize households whose income is less than 50% of the area median. It also gives priority to households that have one or more member who has been unemployed for 90 or more days.

My landlord has filed for eviction. Will the program provide legal assistance?
Yes. Free legal assistance is available. Click here to find a legal services agency near you.