What is Luzerne County ERAP and who is it for?
The Luzerne County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is a locally administered rent + utility relief pathway funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance initiative, designed for Luzerne County renters who faced financial hardship and are at risk of housing instability. The program has been administered by the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) for the county Office of Community Development, and assistance can include rent, utilities, and arrears—up to 12 total months combined.
What is Luzerne County ERAP?
Families in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who are struggling to pay rent or utilities may be able to apply for help through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). This type of program was funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance initiative to provide financial relief to eligible renters facing hardship due to income loss, inflation, or other economic challenges.
One important note (because this trips people up): Pennsylvania’s statewide ERAP is listed as closed effective October 1, 2025 on the PA Department of Human Services ERAP page. That doesn’t automatically mean every local housing-help pathway is gone—some communities still have locally administered funds or other housing stability resources. So it’s still worth checking what’s currently available through Luzerne County and the local administrator.
In Luzerne County, this assistance has been administered locally by the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) on behalf of the county’s Office of Community Development. If you’re behind on rent, facing utility shutoff, or at risk of eviction, here’s what to know about eligibility, income limits, required documents, and how to apply. And if you’re trying to understand the bigger “what even counts as emergency help?” picture, the guide on emergency housing assistance can help you map out next steps beyond one single program.
Quick Visual References
Key Definition + Context
Housing instability typically means you’re at risk of eviction, homelessness, or unsafe/unstable housing conditions—often shown through notices, court filings, arrears, or shutoff risks.
For a plain-English overview of how emergency rent help is structured and why it exists, this breakdown of how federal emergency rental assistance works is a helpful quick read.
What Expenses Are Covered?
The Luzerne County ERAP program can help cover:
- Past-due rent
- Future rent (up to program limits)
- Past-due utility bills
- Utility arrears
- Up to 12 total months of combined assistance
This means you may receive help for rent, utilities, or both—but assistance cannot exceed 12 months in total. (If you’re looking at similar “rent + utilities” setups in nearby areas, the way Bucks County rental assistance describes past-due rent and utility coverage can be useful for comparison.)
Who Qualifies for Luzerne County Rental Assistance?
Before starting an application, review the eligibility requirements carefully. You must meet all of the following criteria:
1. You Must Be a Renter in Luzerne County
Only rental households qualify. Homeowners are not eligible under this program.
2. You Must Have Experienced Financial Hardship
You must demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Qualified for unemployment benefits
- Experienced a reduction in household income
- Incurred significant costs
- Suffered financial hardship due to inflation or rising living costs
3. You Must Be at Risk of Housing Instability
You must show that you are:
- Facing eviction
- At risk of homelessness
- Experiencing unsafe or unstable housing conditions
If you’re thinking, “Okay, but what does ‘at risk of eviction’ really mean?”—it usually comes down to a notice, a court filing, a shutoff risk, or a situation where housing could fall apart quickly.
4. Your Household Income Must Be Within Limits
Eligibility is based on gross annual household income. The limits below reflect income thresholds aligned with federal Area Median Income (AMI) guidelines.
(If you like comparing how different counties explain income limits in everyday language, this example from Washington County, PA can make the AMI concept feel less mysterious.)
| Household Size | Maximum Yearly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $39,550 |
| 2 | $45,200 |
| 3 | $50,850 |
| 4 | $56,500 |
| 5 | $61,050 |
| 6 | $65,600 |
| 7 | $70,100 |
| 8 | $74,600 |
(Income limits are subject to updates based on federal guidelines.)
What Documents Do Tenants Need?
To avoid delays, prepare the following documents before applying.
Required Tenant Documents
- Completed Renter Application (signed or e-signed) — Online: Completed Renter Application
- Photo ID for all adults (front and back)
- Copy of Lease Agreement (or Landlord & Renter Certification for verbal leases)
- Proof of Most Recent Rent Payment (canceled check, receipt, ledger, bank documentation)
- Proof of ALL Household Income (last 30 days OR IRS Form 1040): pay stubs, employer letters, SSD/SSI, TANF, unemployment, child support, veterans benefits, workers’ compensation. W-2s alone are NOT accepted.
- Utility Bills (if requesting utility assistance)
- Zero Income Form (if applicable)
All documents are uploaded during the online application process. If submitting a paper application, ensure everything is included before mailing.
(Programs like Lehigh County-Allentown, PA ERAP often list similar document categories—ID, lease, proof of income, and proof of arrears.)
Required Tenant Documents
- Completed Renter Application (signed or e-signed) — Online: Completed Renter Application
- Photo ID for all adults (front and back)
- Copy of Lease Agreement (or Landlord & Renter Certification for verbal leases)
- Proof of Most Recent Rent Payment (canceled check, receipt, ledger, bank documentation)
- Proof of ALL Household Income (last 30 days OR IRS Form 1040): pay stubs, employer letters, SSD/SSI, TANF, unemployment, child support, veterans benefits, workers’ compensation. W-2s alone are NOT accepted.
- Utility Bills (if requesting utility assistance)
- Zero Income Form (if applicable)
All documents are uploaded during the online application process. If submitting a paper application, ensure everything is included before mailing.
(Programs like Lehigh County-Allentown, PA ERAP often list similar document categories—ID, lease, proof of income, and proof of arrears.)
Tenant Document Visuals
What Documents Do Landlords Need?
Landlords must complete a separate application and provide supporting documentation.
Required Landlord Documents
- Completed and Signed Landlord Application — Online: Completed and Signed Landlord Application
- State-issued photo ID (front/back); if LLC-owned: proof of LLC ownership + management agreement (if applicable)
- Signed W-9 Form
- Proof of Property Ownership: deed, sales contract, mortgage statement, recent property tax receipt, homeowner’s insurance policy
- Copy of Lease Agreement
- Most Recent Rent Payment Documentation
- ACH Authorization Form (if receiving direct deposit)
Incomplete landlord documentation may delay approval of tenant assistance.
Required Landlord Documents
- Completed and Signed Landlord Application — Online: Completed and Signed Landlord Application
- State-issued photo ID (front/back); if LLC-owned: proof of LLC ownership + management agreement (if applicable)
- Signed W-9 Form
- Proof of Property Ownership: deed, sales contract, mortgage statement, recent property tax receipt, homeowner’s insurance policy
- Copy of Lease Agreement
- Most Recent Rent Payment Documentation
- ACH Authorization Form (if receiving direct deposit)
Incomplete landlord documentation may delay approval of tenant assistance.
Landlord Document Visuals
How Do You Apply for Luzerne County ERAP?
You have two application options: online or paper submission.
Option 1: Apply Online (Recommended)
Tenant application: Tenant application
Landlord application: Landlord application
All attachments upload automatically with the online form.
Option 2: Submit Paper Application
Mail completed applications and all supporting documents to:
Commission on Economic Opportunity
P.O. Box 1126
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-1126
Drop-Off Location
Place documents in an envelope labeled:
Rent and Utility Assistance
165 Amber Lane
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Drop-off hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Luzerne County Emergency Rental Assistance Program?
The Luzerne County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is a federally funded program model that helps eligible renters pay past-due rent and utilities if they have experienced financial hardship and are at risk of housing instability.
How many months of assistance can I receive?
Households can receive up to 12 total months of combined rent and utility assistance, depending on funding availability and eligibility.
Can homeowners apply?
No. This program is strictly for rental households. Homeowners are not eligible.
What if I have no income?
You must complete and submit a zero-income declaration form as part of your application.
Do both the tenant and landlord need to apply?
Yes. Both parties must complete their respective applications and submit required documentation for the assistance to be processed.
Final Tips to Avoid Delays
- Double-check that all documents are signed
- Upload clear, readable copies
- Include ALL income sources
- Ensure your landlord submits their paperwork promptly
- Keep copies of everything you submit
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Contact Information
If you have questions about your application, contact:
📞 570-826-0510
Ask for: Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program
📧 [email protected]
The staff at the Commission on Economic Opportunity can guide you through next steps and answer eligibility questions. And if you or someone you know in Luzerne County is struggling with rent or utility bills, applying early (and submitting complete documentation) can make a real difference in how quickly your file moves.