Quick Answer
Is Cook County Rental Assistance Still Available?
The original Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance Program application period closed in 2021, but renters in suburban Cook County may still qualify for housing assistance, utility relief, and eviction prevention programs through state and local agencies. Additional resources remain available for households experiencing financial hardship.
Cook County Rental Assistance Program Overview
The Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, commonly known as ERAP, was created to help suburban Cook County renters and landlords who suffered financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program assisted with overdue rent, utility expenses, and, in some cases, future rental payments.
Although the original application window has closed, the program helped thousands of households avoid eviction and stabilize their housing situation. Renters who still need assistance should explore current state and local programs that offer emergency financial aid and housing support.
Additional housing resources can also be found through Illinois Rental Assistance Programs, Eviction Prevention Programs, Utility Assistance Programs, and Nationwide Rent Assistance Programs.
Cook County Rental Assistance Entity Map
Administrator of the suburban Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Provides utility assistance and community support programs.
Offers assistance with energy and utility bills for income-qualified households.
Financial assistance for customers experiencing hardship.
Separate rental assistance resources for residents of the City of Chicago.
Help residents complete applications and access housing resources.
How the Cook County Rental Assistance Program Worked
Rental and Utility Assistance
The program offered up to 12 months of overdue rent and utility assistance, plus as many as three months of future rent payments for eligible households. Payments were sent directly to landlords and utility providers on behalf of approved applicants.
Who Was Eligible?
- Residents had to live in suburban Cook County.
- Applicants had to demonstrate financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Household income generally had to be at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.
- Applicants could not receive duplicate assistance for the same rental period.
Through the Numbers
Up to 15 Months
Eligible households could receive up to 12 months of past-due assistance and up to three additional months of future rental support.
What Qualified as a COVID-19 Financial Hardship?
Financial hardship related to COVID-19 included several situations that reduced a household’s ability to pay rent and utilities.
- Loss of employment.
- Reduced work hours.
- Temporary furlough.
- Loss of income due to illness.
- Leaving employment to care for a child or family member.
- Substantial reduction in household earnings.
Pro Tip from the Editorial Team: Even if a specific rental assistance program has closed, many communities continue to offer emergency utility assistance, legal aid, and eviction prevention services that can help stabilize a household facing financial difficulties.
Need Help Finding Current Rental Assistance?
Search for updated rental assistance, utility relief, and housing programs available in Illinois and across the country.
Additional Utility Assistance Programs in Cook County
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps qualifying households pay for heating and utility costs and may provide emergency assistance to prevent service disconnections.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan, commonly known as PIPP, allows eligible families to pay a portion of their income toward utility bills while receiving assistance with arrearages.
ComEd Helping Hand Program
ComEd’s Helping Hand program provides limited grants to customers experiencing financial hardship and may help households maintain electric service.
Cook County Rental Assistance Resource Comparison
| Program | Services | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Cook County ERAP | Rent and utility assistance | Suburban Cook County renters impacted by COVID-19 |
| LIHEAP | Energy and utility assistance | Income-qualified households |
| PIPP | Affordable utility payment plans | LIHEAP-eligible households |
| ComEd Helping Hand | Emergency electric bill assistance | Customers experiencing hardship |
Cook County Rental Assistance Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chicago residents apply for this program?
No. The Cook County ERAP program served suburban Cook County residents. Chicago operated a separate rental assistance program.
Could landlords apply on behalf of tenants?
Yes. Landlords could submit applications, and tenants completed their portion of the process.
Could applicants receive utility assistance only?
No. Utility assistance was available only when combined with rental assistance.
Were Section 8 households eligible?
Households already receiving federal rental assistance generally were not eligible for this program.
Where can residents find help today?
Residents can explore state utility programs, local nonprofits, legal aid organizations, and updated rental assistance resources through community agencies.
Find Cook County Rental Assistance and Housing Resources
Even though the original Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance Program has ended, housing assistance options continue to exist for households experiencing financial hardship.
- Search for rental assistance programs.
- Find utility assistance and emergency aid.
- Connect with local housing counselors.
- Explore updated Illinois housing assistance programs.
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