The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program was created when countless families were on the edge of losing their homes. The pandemic caused sudden job losses, bills piled up, and the threat of eviction became very real. To prevent a nationwide housing disaster, Congress rolled out federal funding in two major waves of rental support.
If you’re trying to understand what ERA was, what’s still available, and where to turn now, here’s what you need to know.
How the Emergency Rental Assistance Program Started
The money came in two rounds:
- ERA1: Established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, this first round provided $25 billion in rental aid. The U.S. Department of the Treasury distributed the funds with oversight from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
- ERA2: Created under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, this second round added $21.55 billion for longer-term rental support and housing stability.
Together, ERA1 and ERA2 added up to nearly $47 billion—the largest housing stability investment in U.S. history.
Impact and Use of ERA Funds
By mid-2023, about 87% of all ERA funds had been used (National Low Income Housing Coalition). These funds prevented mass evictions, paid off rent debt, and gave landlords financial relief.
- ERA1 largely ended by late 2022.
- ERA2 is set to end September 30, 2025, unless Congress extends it.
Current State of the ERA Program
Most ERA programs are now closed to new applications. For example:
- New York State’s ERAP closed January 20, 2023.
- Texas and California shut down applications in 2022 due to overwhelming demand.
Some areas may still have ERA2 funds. To check, visit the Treasury’s ERA Dashboard or see listings from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Related Housing Assistance Programs
1. Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)
Launched in 2021 by HUD, the Emergency Housing Voucher program provided 70,000 vouchers for people most at risk of homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, and those exiting homelessness. Funding may run out by mid-2026 without Congressional renewal (The Washington Post).
2. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
The Section 8 program remains the largest federal rental support option. Local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) run it with HUD funding. But:
- Waitlists are often years long.
- Some PHAs have closed applications due to high demand.
Still, Section 8 vouchers are one of the few long-term rental support programs.
3. State and Local Resources
Other support may come from:
- 211 Hotlines: Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org for rental and utility assistance referrals.
- Community organizations: Nonprofits and legal aid groups often provide emergency housing grants and advocacy.
- Local aid funds: Some cities and counties still provide emergency housing relief.
What You Can Do Now
1. Check Local ERA Availability
Some communities may still have ERA2 funds. Check the Treasury ERA Dashboard or the NLIHC program listings.
2. Call 211
Dial 2-1-1 to connect with local emergency rental, eviction prevention, and utility help.
3. Explore Federal Programs
Apply for Section 8 vouchers if your PHA waitlist is open, or ask about Emergency Housing Vouchers if you’re at risk of homelessness.
4. Seek Local Help
Contact nonprofits, churches, or legal aid groups. If you’re facing eviction, legal aid may be able to delay or prevent it.
Summary Table of Key Programs
| Program | Status / Notes |
|---|---|
| ERA1 / ERA2 | COVID relief; ERA1 closed 2022; ERA2 expires Sept 2025 |
| NY State ERAP | Closed January 20, 2023 |
| Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) | Active; funding ends mid-2026 without renewal |
| Section 8 Vouchers | Available but limited; long waitlists |
| Local Nonprofits / 211 | Best current option for immediate help |
FAQs About ERA
What is the ERA program?
A federal program that provided nearly $47 billion in emergency rental help during COVID-19 through ERA1 and ERA2.
Is ERA still available in 2025?
Most programs are closed. ERA2 remains active until September 30, 2025, if your local housing authority still has funds.
Who qualified for ERA?
Households earning below 80% of area median income, facing housing instability or eviction, and showing COVID-related financial hardship.
What’s the difference between ERA and Section 8?
ERA was temporary emergency relief. Section 8 is a permanent federal program for long-term rental support.
What if I missed the ERA window?
Apply for Section 8 or Emergency Housing Vouchers if available, call 2-1-1, or seek help from nonprofits and legal aid services.
Conclusion
The Emergency Rental Assistance program kept millions of renters housed and stabilized landlords during the pandemic. While most ERA funds are gone, ERA2 ends September 30, 2025, and other programs like Section 8 and EHVs may help if you act now.
Next Steps
- Check ERA2 availability via the Treasury dashboard or NLIHC listings.
- Call 211 for local rental and utility assistance.
- Apply for Section 8 vouchers if your local housing authority’s waitlist is open.
- Ask about Emergency Housing Vouchers if you’re at immediate risk of homelessness.
- Reach out to nonprofits, churches, and legal aid for emergency eviction support.
