Chicago IL Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Guide

Last updated: June 26, 2026

About the Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant financial hardship for many Chicago residents, making it difficult to keep up with rent and stay housed. In response, the City of Chicago launched the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to provide financial assistance to eligible renters unable to pay rent, utilities, or other housing-related expenses. The program is funded by the federal government and administered by the Chicago Department of Housing.

Renters who are facing eviction can still apply for ERAP and should do so as soon as possible — applying does not pause an eviction automatically, but it can support your case if you notify your landlord and the court of a pending application. Landlords can also apply for ERAP on behalf of their tenants, provided they have the tenant’s permission.

Who Is Eligible for Chicago ERAP

To qualify for ERAP, renters must meet all of the following criteria:

• Chicago residency: Be a resident of the City of Chicago.
• Income at or below 80% AMI: Household income must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income.
• COVID-19 financial hardship: Have experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic.
• Unable to pay rent or utilities: Be unable to pay rent or utilities specifically as a result of that financial hardship.
• Lease in your name: Have a lease or rental agreement in your own name.

What ERAP Covers and How Much You Can Receive

ERAP provides financial assistance to cover the following expenses:

• Rent — both past-due and future payments.
• Utilities — both past-due and future payments.
• Other housing-related expenses — including late fees and court costs.

ERAP provides up to 12 months of total assistance, including past-due rent and utilities, with future rent and utility payments covered in increments of up to three months at a time. The actual amount a renter receives depends on individual eligibility and the availability of program funds at the time of application.

Pro Tip

ERAP funds are limited, and not all eligible applicants will receive assistance. Apply as early as possible, and have your documentation ready before starting your application — proof of income, your lease, and proof of financial hardship are all required and missing items are the most common cause of delays.

How to Apply for Chicago ERAP

Renters can apply for ERAP either online or by phone. To apply online, visit the Chicago Department of Housing website and follow the application instructions. To apply by phone, call the city’s 311 helpline and ask for assistance with the ERAP application. In either case, applicants must provide documentation verifying their eligibility, including proof of income, a lease or rental agreement, and documentation of financial hardship.

Other Rental Assistance Organizations in Chicago

Beyond the city-administered ERAP, several organizations across Chicago and Cook County provide rental assistance and related housing support:

• Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) — provides affordable housing to low-income individuals and families, including the Housing Choice Voucher program. For broader context on voucher wait times, see how long Section 8 waiting lists run by state — Chicago’s averages 3 to 5+ years.
• Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) — a nonprofit providing rental assistance and other services to low-income individuals and families throughout Cook County.
• Catholic Charities — offers rental assistance and other support for individuals and families in need.
• Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) — a state-level program administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), providing rental assistance to eligible households impacted by COVID-19 across the state, including Cook County.
• The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division — assists individuals and families with rent payments and other emergency needs.
• All Chicago — a nonprofit working to prevent and end homelessness, offering rental assistance among its services.
• Heartland Alliance — a nonprofit providing a wide range of services to people and families in need, including rental assistance.
• The Resurrection Project — works to build stronger communities in Chicago, including rental assistance services.
• Legal Aid Chicago — helps low-income individuals and families with evictions and housing problems, and may help connect renters with applicable rental assistance programs.

For residents in nearby counties, the Lake County FERA Program and Champaign County emergency rental assistance serve their respective regions outside the city. Tenants currently facing eviction in Chicago should also review alternatives to eviction available in Illinois, including legal aid and negotiated payment plans.