The Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program was established to assist renters who have suffered financial hardship because of the COVID pandemic and are at risk of eviction without intervention.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
1. Renting households whose total income does not exceed 80% of the area median. Click here to find the income limit in your area.
2. One or more household members have qualified for unemployment benefits, have experienced a reduction in income or an increase in cost, or suffered some other financial hardship directly or indirectly related to the COVID pandemic.
3. One or more household members are at risk of homelessness or housing instability as evidenced by past due or eviction notices.
4. Renters living in subsidized housing (housing choice vouchers, project based rental assistance) may be eligible for help with the portion of rent they pay themselves.

Eligible expenses include:
1. Past due rent dating back to April 1, 2020 and three months of future rent for a total of 18 months of assistance
2. Past due and current utilities, including electricity, gas, water, sewer, and home energy for a total of 18 months of assistance
3. Eviction court costs
4. Relocation costs including security deposits, application fees, and utility connection fees
5. Recovery housing program costs
6. One time $300 stipend for internet service for use in distance learning, telemedicine, telework, and government services

Homeowners and households whose income exceeds 80% of the area median are not eligible for assistance through this program.

The program does not reimburse for expenses already paid.

How do I apply?
You will need the following documentation to complete your application:
1. Copy of current, fully executed lease. If you don’t have a signed lease, you should submit either a certification of lease or a certification of future lease.
2. Proof of identity (one of the following is acceptable)

  • Driver’s license

  • Unexpired passport

  • Birth certificate

  • If you are foreign born, you will need an unexpired Department of Homeland Security document or an acceptable alternative


3. Proof of residence (one of the following is acceptable)

  • Current utility or phone bill

  • Voter registration card

  • Tax records

  • 2020 W-2

  • Weapons permit

  • Vehicle registration card

  • Social Security benefits letter

  • Pay stubs

  • Letter from public housing authority

  • Eviction notice from court


4. If you are requesting assistance with past due utility or internet bills, you must submit your most recent bill dated within 45 days of application. If you pay your utility bill quarterly, you must submit a bill dated within 120 of application.
5. If you are requesting assistance for court costs, relocation expenses, or recovery program fees, you must submit an invoice or statement for the expenses.
6. Proof of income (submit proof of income for all household members 18 or older).

If you receive CHIP, SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, or Section 8, you can provide your award letter to substantiate income.

The easiest way to provide proof of income is by submitting the first two pages of your 2020 1040 tax form. You must provide a tax return for each household member 18 or older.

You can also prove your income by providing information about all sources of income for every household member 18 or older. This can include: wages, tips, bonuses, unemployment benefits letter, social security, pension, retirement, disability, alimony or child support, and self-employment income.

Households with zero income can attest to that fact.

Apply here.

FAQ


Will the rent and utility money come to me?
Funds are paid directly to landlords and utility providers. The one time $300 stipend for internet service is paid directly to the tenant.

Are late fees eligible for payment?
Payments for past due rent automatically includes a $30 late fee. Landlords must agree to waive any late fees over the maximum of $30.

I’ve been borrowing and putting my rent payment on credit cards. Can I be reimbursed for that money?
No. The program does not reimburse expenses already paid. You may be eligible for future rent and utility assistance not yet paid.

Is there a maximum dollar amount for assistance?
No.

What kinds of rental properties are eligible?
The property must be the renter’s primary residence. Single family homes, apartments, condos, and mobile homes are all eligible.

If I have an ownership interest in the property I live in, am I eligible for assistance?
No. Renters with any ownership interest in their primary residences, including lease purchase agreements, lease to own, option to purchase, and land contracts) are not eligible for assistance through this program.

Are trailers and trailer home lot rent eligible for assistance?
If you rent a trailer or rent the lot your trailer sits on, you may be eligible for assistance with rent and/or utilities.

Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to get help?
No, but you must provide the required identification on the application form.

I live with roommates. Am I eligible for assistance?
Roommates are considered household members. All roommates on the lease must meet the qualifying criteria in order to be approved for assistance. If roommates have separate leases, they must apply separately.