The Emergency Rental Assistance Program has $158 million to help renters who are having trouble paying their rent and/or utility bills because of the COVID pandemic. To ensure funds are available, renters should apply prior to September 30, 2021. The program will run through September 30, 2022 or until funds run out.

Nebraska residents living in Lancaster County, Douglas County, the City of Omaha, or the City of Lincoln are not eligible for the Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance Program. For more information on the programs in these counties and cities, contact the following:

Lancaster County and City of Lincoln: http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/rent or call +1 (402) 413-2085

Douglas County: https://copeinfo.org/rent-assist/ or call +1 (402) 616-2330

City of Omaha: http://macchconnect.org (Due to high call volume, please only use this phone number if you don't have internet access - +1 (402) 957-1747)

The following Indian tribal authorities have their own programs. Members of these tribes should contact the following:
Omaha Tribal Housing Authority: https://www.othauthority.com/ or call +1 (402) 837-5728
Northern Ponca Tribal Housing Authority: https://poncahousing.org/ or call +1 (402) 379-8224 (Norfolk) or +1 (402) 505-3055 (Omaha)

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
If you answer yes to ALL of the following, you are eligible:
1. You live in Nebraska.
2. You do NOT live in Lancaster or Douglas Counties.
3. You rent your home and have a current lease or rental agreement.
4. Your household does not exceed the income guidelines.
5. You are a citizen of the United States or a legal alien.
6. Your landlord is not an immediate family member.

Also, if you answer yes to ONE of the following, you are eligible:
1. You cannot pay any or a part of your rent because of financial hardship related to COVID (qualifies for unemployment benefits, has experienced reduced income, or incurred significant cost)
2. You can prove you are at risk of homeless or housing instability (past due rent or eviction notice, proof you haven’t paid rent)

If you already receive federally funded assistance, this program will only pay for the portion of rent not paid by the other program.

How do I apply?
The Application User Guide includes instructions for navigating the online portal, lists the questions you will find on the application, and lists the documentation you will need to complete the application.

Representatives are processing applications now. Renters can get assistance for rent from April 1, 2020 to November 30,2021. It currently takes four to six weeks to process applications. The more complete your application is, the faster it will be processed. You cannot make changes to your application after it has been submitted. You will receive an email notification of your acceptance or rejection.

You will need the following documentation to complete your application:
1. Government issued photo identification or driver’s license
2. Fully executed, current lease or rental agreement
3. Proof of COVID related negative impact on your income (unemployment benefits statement, verification of lost employment)
4. Proof of household income - include all household members who file taxes (unemployment claim, recent pay stubs, letter verifying layoff)
5. Supporting documents for additional months of assistance (past due rent notices, notices showing rent balance owed)

Note: Paper applications are not acceptable.

To apply for Nebraska’s Emergency Rental Assistance, click here.

FAQ


How can the funds be used?
Funds may be used to pay for past due rent and utilities up to $20,000.
Renters can apply for up to 12 months of past due rent dating back to April 1, 2020 and three months of future rent.

If your application is approved, you can apply for additional assistance. Total amount of assistance cannot exceed 15 months. Late fees are eligible for payment, but cannot exceed 10% of total approved rent paid.

What utilities does the program pay for?

  • Electricity

  • Gas

  • Water

  • Sewer

  • Trash

  • Energy costs like fuel oil


Cable, internet, and phone expenses are not eligible for payment.

Are certain renters given priority?
Yes. Households whose income is at or below 50% of the area median, households with one or more members who have been unemployed for 90 days or more, and households that have received eviction notices putting them at risk of homelessness, will be given priority.

Can I get help with this program if I’m already receiving help from another one?
You can get assistance but only for the part of your rent and utilities you pay yourself and that are not paid by any other program.

Do I have to be a citizen of the United States to get assistance?
You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of this country to receive assistance. Supporting documentation is part of the application process.