Chicago

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in Chicago

Helping Chicago area renters stay in their homes and apartments

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial hardships for many Chicago residents, making it difficult for them to pay rent and stay in their homes. To address this issue, the city of Chicago has launched the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

ERAP provides financial assistance to eligible renters to cover their rent, utilities, and other housing-related expenses. In this article, we’ll explain what ERAP is, who is eligible, how to apply, and provide other helpful information about the program.

What is ERAP? 

ERAP is a rental assistance program launched by the city of Chicago in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides financial assistance to eligible renters who have been impacted by the pandemic and are unable to pay their rent, utilities, or other housing-related expenses. ERAP is funded by the federal government and administered by the city’s Department of Housing (DOH).

Who is Eligible for ERAP? 

To be eligible for ERAP, renters must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a resident of the city of Chicago
  • Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI)
  • Have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Be unable to pay rent or utilities due to the financial hardship
  • Have a lease or rental agreement in their name

How to Apply for ERAP

Renters can apply for ERAP online or by phone. To apply online, visit the DOH website and follow the instructions. To apply by phone, call the city’s 311 helplines and ask for assistance with the ERAP application. Applicants must provide documentation to verify their eligibility, such as proof of income, a lease or rental agreement, and proof of financial hardship.

What Expenses Does ERAP Cover? 

ERAP provides financial assistance to cover the following expenses:

  • Rent (past due and future payments)
  • Utilities (past due and future payments)
  • Other housing-related expenses, such as late fees and court costs

How Much Assistance Does ERAP Provide? 

ERAP provides up to 12 months of financial assistance, including past due rent and utilities, and future rent and utilities for up to three months at a time. The amount of assistance a renter receives depends on their eligibility and the availability of funds.

Other Helpful Information about ERAP 

  • ERAP funds are limited, and not all eligible applicants will receive assistance.
  • Renters who are facing eviction can still apply for ERAP and should do so as soon as possible.
  • Landlords can also apply for ERAP on behalf of their tenants with the tenant’s permission.

Helpful Rental Assistance Programs in Chicago, IL Links:

Here is a list of organizations offering rental assistance programs in Chicago, IL, along with their links:

  1. Chicago Department of Housing

    The Chicago Department of Housing is a city agency that provides resources and assistance to individuals and families in need of affordable housing. They have a variety of programs, such as rental help, to help people in Chicago find and keep stable housing.

  2. Chicago Housing Authority

    The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) is a public housing agency that provides affordable housing to low-income individuals and families in Chicago. They offer rental assistance through various programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher program.

  3. Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA)

    CEDA is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services to low-income individuals and families in Cook County, including rental assistance programs.

  4. Catholic Charities

    Catholic Charities is a non-profit group that helps people and families in need in a number of ways, such as through rental assistance programs.

  5. Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program

    The ERA program is a government-funded program that provides rental assistance to eligible households impacted by COVID-19. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is in charge of running the program.

  6. The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division

    The Salvation Army is a non-profit organization that helps people and families in need in many ways, including through programs that help pay for rent.

  7. All Chicago

    Chicago is a nonprofit organization that works to prevent and end homelessness in Chicago. They offer a variety of services, including rental assistance programs.

  8. Heartland Alliance

    Heartland Alliance is a non-profit group that helps people and families in need with a wide range of services, such as rental assistance programs.

  9. The Resurrection Project

    The Resurrection Project is a nonprofit organization that works to build stronger communities in Chicago. They offer a variety of services, including rental assistance programs.

  10. Legal Aid Chicago is a non-profit organization that helps low-income people and families in Chicago with things like evictions and housing problems. They may be able to help connect individuals with rental assistance programs as well.