The state of Pennsylvania has received approximately $569 million from the federal government to assist renters, landlords, and utility providers adversely affected by the COVID pandemic.

The state emergency rental assistance program is currently accepting applications for 49 of their counties not receiving direct allocations. You can apply through COMPASS. If the county you live in is one not operating through COMPASS, you will be automatically directed to your local agency contact.

How to Qualify

Who is eligible?
Head of households who are responsible for paying rent and:
1. Have one of more household members who have qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced decreased income or increased cost, or suffered financial hardship because of the COVID pandemic
2. Have one or more household members who are risk of homelessness or housing instability AND
3. Have a household income that does not exceed 80% of the area median

How do I apply?
Residents of most counties can apply through COMPASS. If you live in a county not covered by COMPASS, you will be redirected to your county.

Information you will need to complete the application includes:
1. Head of household personal identification (driver’s license, passport, state issued identification)
2. Income information for all household members over the age of 18
3. Lease, rental agreement or some other verification of the rent you owe
4. Landlord’s contact information
5. Utility costs (electricity, gas, water, oil)
6. Utility provider contact information

Documentation you will be required to provide includes the following:
1. Personal identification (driver’s license, passport, state issued identification)
2. Unemployment benefits letter or evidence of decrease in household income (pay stubs, letter from employer)
3. Proof of income for all household members over the age of 18
4. Pay stubs, letters from employers, direct deposit records, tax filings, other wage statements
5. Verification of unearned income like unemployment benefits
6. Documentation attesting to rent and past due amounts
7. Documentation attesting to utility bill past due amounts
8. Documentation showing other housing costs related to negative COVID impact

The following types of documents are acceptable:
1. Digital photos
2. Photo copies
3. Emails or letters from landlords or employers verifying your financial circumstances

FAQ

What are the income limits?
Income limits vary county by county. Renters cannot exceed 80% of area medians to be eligible for assistance. Click hereto find 80% of the median income in the county where you live.

How long does the program last?
The program began in the middle of March 2021 and will run through September 2022 or until the funds run out.

Are renters living in public housing or Section 8 eligible for assistance?
Households living in federally subsidized housing are eligible for assistance as long as the funds do not duplicate assistance already provided. This includes Section 8.

How much rental assistance does the program cover?
The program will provide assistance for past due rent dating back to March 13, 2020 not to exceed 12 months. It will also pay for up to three months of future rent.

Who gets the money?
Funds are sent directly to landlords and utility providers on behalf of renters. If the landlord chooses to opt out of the program, payments may be made directly to renters.

Can I get assistance if I own my home?
No. This program is open only to renters of residential properties.