Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in Cook County
Rental Assistance Programs in Cook County, IL
The program window has been minimized. If you have any queries about the progress of your application, please log in to the application portal. We appeal for your patience while we examine the applications due to the large number. Illinois has officially begun its program. To apply, visit Illinois rental assistance program.
Through the Numbers
This dashboard visualizes the applicants who applied for the Cook County Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance program in real time. Utilize this dashboard to learn about our applicants and their progress through the application process. Additionally, we collect information on our applicants’ median income, the amount of financing authorized, and their work status. The darker tones of orange denote regions with a larger concentration of applications. While reviewing the data, use your mouse to hover over the map, charts, graphs, and data points to obtain descriptions and further information on the visual images.
FAQs
What is the Cook County Program for Emergency Rental Assistance?
The program is designed to assist suburban Cook County tenants and landlords who have encountered financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. It covers up to 12 months of late rent and utility payments, as well as up to three months of prospective rent payments.
When and where may residents and landlords submit their applications?
Applications will be accepted beginning March 11, 2021 and will close on April 9, 2021. Submit an application at cookcountyil.gov/recovery.
Who qualifies?
Applicants must meet the following criteria: reside in suburban Cook County and rent their house (landlords may apply on behalf of qualified renters).
Lack of other forms of help (e.g., do not reside in public housing or get rental aid from other programs over the same time period).
Possess evidence of financial distress as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic
Have a household yearly income equal to or less than the following:
Size of household
Income $65,550 $72,800 $78,650 $84,450 $90,300 $51,000 $58,250 $65,550 $72,800 $78,650 $96,100
What is a financial hardship caused by COVID-19?
Financial problems associated with COVID-19 include the following: Loss of income Working fewer hours Being furloughed Quitting your job due to a high risk of COVID-19 and the necessity to self-isolate Loss of work to care for a kid.
How do tenants and landlords apply?
For tenants, the application procedure begins at cookcountyil.gov/recovery. They should assemble all of their application materials first, and then apply via the link to the application portal when it opens on March 11th. Their landlord is contacted and requested to complete their section of the application once they apply.
Landlords may submit applications on behalf of their tenants. They should assemble all of their application materials first, and then apply via the link to the application portal when it opens on March 11th. Their renter will be contacted and requested to complete their section of the application after they apply.
For tenant representatives: For tenants who are unable to use technology, a representative from a community group can register and complete the application on their behalf. The application has the same questions and requirements as the previous one.
Can residents apply for assistance with both rent and utilities?
This program is meant to help renters with the option of receiving utility assistance. Residents may apply for rental help alone or for rental aid with utility assistance, but not for utility assistance alone.
Is aid guaranteed to residents?
Regrettably, money is scarce. As a result of the anticipated high amount of applications, help is not guaranteed.
What criteria does Cook County use to determine who receives assistance?
After the application window closes, we will conduct a random selection from among all qualified candidates. Preference will be given to families with at least one member who has been jobless for 90 days previous to applying or with an annual household income equal to or less than the following:
Taking into account the size of the household
Revenues of $31,850, $36,400, $40,950, $45,500, $49,150, $52,800, $56,450, and $60,100
What happens when residents submit an application?
Residents will get an email notification when their application is accepted. The applicant’s landlord will be credited with the authorized amount via direct deposit.
How are monies allocated?
Payments to landlords and utility companies will be done directly. Payment for the whole amount will be made in a single transaction.
Are inhabitants of Chicago eligible?
No, this program is exclusively available to residents in suburban Cook County. See Chicago’s own rental aid program. Or visit chi.gov/housinghelp or https://chicookilrenthelp.org for further information.
Are residents in public housing or those receiving a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher eligible?
Individuals and families that receive federal housing aid at the moment are ineligible.
Are tenants of rent-restricted affordable housing units supported by the LIHTC eligible?
Yes, applicants who reside in designated affordable apartments are eligible if they do not receive a federal rent assistance, such as a Housing Choice Voucher.
If a person lost their job as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic but was getting supplemental unemployment insurance (UI) or a stimulus check, Is this money considered part of their family income?
No, we are not include unemployment benefits or stimulus funds in our calculation of the 80th percentile ceiling.
Are residents eligible if they have already received rental assistance?
Yes, residents may apply for rental help even if they have previously received aid AND provided they are not getting assistance from another source during the same time period.
Whom should residents contact if they require assistance with the application process?
Please call the Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance Program helpdesk at 877-426-6515 for assistance with your application and language translation services.
Where should residents seeking COVID-19 mortgage help be directed?
You can direct Cook County homeowners to www.findhelp.org and https://covid.citybureau.org/en/ to learn about available mortgage aid.
Where may I refer individuals seeking more COVID-19 utility assistance?
You can direct residents of Cook County to the following utility programs:
LIHEAP – assists qualified households with home energy services. Contact the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-877-411-9276 or visit www.HelpIllinoisFamilies.com for further information.
PIPP is offered to LIHEAP-eligible families who are clients of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, or Peoples Gas/North Shore Gas. Under PIPP, qualified households contribute a percentage of their income; receive a monthly benefit toward their energy bill; and, if appropriate, receive arrearage reductions for each on-time payment. Contact the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-877-411-9276 or visit www.HelpIllinoisFamilies.com for further information.
Special Residential Hardship Program – Once every two years, qualified residential customers with family incomes up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level can receive grants of up to $500 toward their arrearage. Contact the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-877-411-9276 or visit www.HelpIllinoisFamilies.com for further information.
ComEd Assists Active/Veteran Military Personnel (CHAMP) – Assists members of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard, Reserves, and honorably discharged veterans with their energy bills. Online applications are available at: www.ComEd.com/CARE.
ComEd Helping Hand – Helping Hand gives subsidies of up to $300 to consumers experiencing financial difficulty as a result of COVID-19. For further information, please call 1-800-334-7661. If the consumer is a low-income customer (LICA), please send an email to HelpingHand@exeloncorp.com. If the client does not qualify for LICA, he or she must provide income evidence via the verification link at ComEd.com/HelpingHand.
Small Business Assistance – Grants up to $1000 to qualifying small business customers toward the 30% down payment required to establish a six-month installment payment arrangement or 30% of the cost required to restore service. ComEd may be reached at 1-877-426-6331 for further information.
How to Contact Us:
If you have any questions or want assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff may be reached at Info.Edev@cookcountyil.gov.