The Montana Rental Emergency Assistance Program provides help for renters who have reduced household income due to the COVID pandemic and are at risk of housing instability. Renters can receive as much as $2200 for past due and future rent, a maximum of $300 for past due gas and electricity bills, and as much as $50 a month for internet service. The assistance available for past due rent and utilities dates back to April 1, 2020.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
1. Gross annual household income cannot exceed 80% of area median.
2. One or more household member has qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced reduced income, incurred significant cost, or faced some other financial hardship related directly or indirectly to the COVID pandemic.
3. One or more household member is at risk of homelessness or housing instability. This may be proven by any of the following:

  • Past due or eviction notice

  • Unhealthy or unsafe living conditions


This financial assistance can only be used for the following:
1. Past due and future rent
2. Past due utility bills
3. Internet service

Payments are made directly to landlords and utility providers.

How do I apply?
RENTERS must provide the following information:
1. Income documents

  • 2020 tax returns

OR

  • Pay stubs for two months

  • Social Security or pension letter

  • Unemployment benefits statement

  • TANF statement

  • Proof of child support for past two months

  • Self-employed Schedule C for 2020 or profit and loss statement


2. Lease or rental agreement
3. Proof of need
4. Past due rent or eviction notice
5. Utility late notice or shut off notice

LANDLORDS must provide the following information:
1. W-9 for property where renter received notice of past due rent or eviction notice
2. Signature of renter on application before it is submitted.

Apply here.

FAQ


How long does the assistance last?
Up to 15 months. Past due rent and utility bills must be paid before any additional assistance is given. Future rent assistance has a three month limit. This program does not pay for any past due or utility bills that occurred prior to April 1, 2020. This program does not assist homeowners.

What utilities does the program assist with?
Electricity, home heating, and internet.

How long is this assistance available?
The program will run at least through September 30, 2022.

What types of expenses can the money be used for?
Past due and future rent, past due and future utilities, late fees, rent deposits if the reason for moving was directly or indirectly related to the pandemic. Past due rent, late fees, and past due utility bills occurring prior to April 1, 2020 are not eligible for payment.

Will I get the money?
Funds will be sent directly to landlords and utility providers.

Can people getting LIHEAP assistance get help from this program too?
Yes, but you can’t get assistance from this program for the same time period in which you received help from LIHEAP.

Is this money taxable?
It is gross income for landlords and will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service on Form 1099-MISC.

Are the stimulus checks and the pandemic unemployment benefits taxable?
No. Stimulus checks and the $300 a week pandemic unemployment benefits are not considered household income when determining eligibility for this program.

Is there a copay with this assistance?
No.

Can this money be used for the cost of motel or hotel rooms?
No. If you need help with these costs, contact your nearest Human Resource Council and ask about Emergency Solutions Grants.

I live in government assisted housing. Can I get help through this program?
Yes. Tenants who are receiving rent subsidies can get financial assistance with this program, but only for the portion of rent considered the household’s responsibility.

I have a mobile home and rent the lot it sits on. Can I get help with the lot rent?
Yes. Applicants living in mobile homes and renting lots can include the monthly cost of lot rent on their applications.

I am in the process of being evicted because of the pandemic. Can I get legal help?
The Montana Eviction Intervention Project provides legal assistance to residents facing eviction due to COVID. For more information, visit MONTANALAWHELP.ORG or call 1-800-666-6899.