Last updated: June 25, 2026
Quick Answer
The Jefferson County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provided rent, utility, and deposit help to income-qualified renters in Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, and other Jeffco cities during COVID-19. County funding has been exhausted, but eligible residents can apply through the Colorado State Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which is currently accepting applications.
What Is the Jefferson County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Jefferson County ERAP was a federally funded relief initiative launched during the COVID-19 national emergency to help renters in Jefferson County who could no longer cover housing costs due to pandemic-related financial hardship. The program covered past-due rent, utility bills, security deposits, and internet connection costs — exclusively for renters, not homeowners.
Only tenants were eligible for ERAP benefits. Jefferson County residents seeking mortgage relief were directed to the county’s separate Mortgage Assistance program. To better understand what ERA covers and how it works at the federal level, the program was funded under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act.
Jefferson County is no longer accepting new ERAP applications due to depleted funds. Residents in need should apply directly through the Colorado state portal at cdola.colorado.gov.
Which Jefferson County Cities Were Eligible for Rental Assistance
The Jefferson County ERAP served renters residing within unincorporated Jefferson County as well as the following incorporated municipalities:
- Lakewood, CO
- Arvada, CO
- Edgewater, CO
- Golden, CO
- Littleton, CO
- Westminster, CO
- Wheat Ridge, CO
Applicants were required to have a residential lease, rental agreement, or similar obligation within Jefferson County — or to be actively seeking to rent within the county. Renters in neighboring counties should explore their own local programs. For example, Adams County rental assistance runs through a parallel state-connected program for residents north of Jefferson County.
Jefferson County ERAP Eligibility Requirements and Income Limits
To qualify for the Jefferson County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, a household had to meet all four of the following criteria:
- Hold a residential lease or rental agreement within Jefferson County, or be in the process of obtaining one.
- Have experienced a COVID-19-related financial hardship — including unemployment, reduced income, significant unexpected expenses, or other documented loss.
- Be experiencing housing instability — defined as homelessness risk or falling behind on rent or utility payments.
- Have a total household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Income Limits at 80% AMI — Jefferson County
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Income (80% AMI) | $55,950 | $63,950 | $71,950 | $79,900 | $86,300 | $92,700 | $99,100 | $105,500 |
Priority applicants — those with household income below 50% AMI and at least one household member unemployed for 90 or more consecutive days — were moved to the front of the processing queue under the program’s prioritization policy.
Pro Tip
Even if your income is slightly above the 80% AMI threshold, the Colorado state portal may apply different or updated income limits. Always apply directly and let a caseworker determine eligibility — don’t assume you won’t qualify.
Not sure if you qualify? Get personalized guidance on rental assistance programs available near you.
What Documents Are Required to Apply for Jefferson County Rental Help
Applications — whether through the county portal (now closed) or the Colorado state portal — require a standard set of documentation for all adults in the household. Having these items ready before starting will prevent delays:
- Government-issued photo ID for every adult (age 18+) in the household.
- Proof of income for all adults — 2020 federal tax returns or two most recent bank statements.
- Documentation of COVID-19-related financial impact (e.g., termination letter, reduced hours notice, medical bills).
- A current, signed lease agreement (required for rent assistance requests).
- One or more utility bills in the applicant’s name (required for utility assistance requests).
- Social Security Numbers and dates of birth for all household members.
The online application worked best in Google Chrome. Applicants who needed help completing the form could submit a support request through the county portal. Community partner organizations in Arvada — including The Salvation Army — also processed ERA applications and provided case navigation assistance.
How to Apply for Rental Assistance in Jefferson County Now
Because Jefferson County’s own ERAP has closed to new applicants, the primary path forward for Jeffco renters is the statewide program administered by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). The state program accepts applications through the same online portal and covers many of the same costs — back rent, utilities, deposit assistance, and prospective rent for up to three months.
For a broader look at all statewide resources, the Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program page covers eligibility, income limits, and how the state program is structured for different county situations. Renters in Larimer County north of the metro area can also review emergency rent and utility assistance options available in that jurisdiction.
If you are currently facing eviction proceedings, applying for rental assistance can in some cases pause or delay the process. Renters should also explore alternatives to eviction such as negotiating a payment plan with your landlord or seeking legal aid through Colorado Legal Services.
Steps to Apply Through the Colorado State Portal
- Visit cdola.colorado.gov/rental-mortgage-assistance to start a new application.
- Create an account or log in to the state portal (Google Chrome recommended).
- Complete all household, income, lease, and landlord information sections.
- Upload all required documents before submitting.
- After submission, monitor your application status through the portal dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jefferson County Rental Assistance
Find Rental Relief Before It’s Too Late
Colorado renters in Jeffco may still qualify for state-level help. Connect with a program advisor today.
