Program to Assist with Urgent Rent Payment
If you applied for this program and were approved, or if you applied but have not yet gotten a response: Reapplication requests will not be considered! Your application will be updated to reflect any necessary program changes. If you have any questions, please contact your CAA.
Renters in Maine who qualify for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program get funds to help with the financial strain of their rent and utility costs. Maine’s Community Action Agencies will examine applications on behalf of households, determine eligibility, and then process payments for approved expenses.
Please contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance or Legal Services for the Elderly if you are about to be evicted or fear you may be. Even if you do not fit the standards for this program, they do have money to help you.
Eligibility
Tenants who request assistance and meet all of the following requirements will then be evaluated to determine whether or not they are eligible for rent relief:
- Income Limits
To qualify, the annual income of your household must be greater than the minimum amount required. The restrictions change not only with location but also with the number of people living in a household. Simply clicking on this link will allow you to determine whether or not your annual income is within the parameters set by the program.
- Challenges in the Area of Finances
During the pandemic, one or more members of your household may have struggled with their financial situation.
- Are You Struggling to Pay Your Rent or Utilities? We Can Help!
You are having problems making the payments for your rent or your utilities on time. This is causing you stress.
You can apply online.
To apply online, select the county in which you are presently residing here and we will direct you to the appropriate organization.
Submitted on Paper Application
Simply click on the link to download the application form. You can either send an email or a hard copy of the application to your community action agency in your area. If you need a paper application, please call MaineHousing at 1-800-452-4668, and we will send one to you in the mail.
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Denise Madison, age 34, is an expert in housing policy and rental assistance. Denise earned her Master’s in Public Administration from McGill University, focusing her thesis on the effectiveness of rental assistance programs in major Canadian cities. After graduation, she worked with the Canadian government before transitioning to a consulting role in the United States, aiding in the enhancement of federal housing policies and programs. Denise is known for her practical workshops and seminars aimed at landlords and tenants, fostering better understanding and compliance with housing laws. When not at work, Denise cherishes time with her husband and their three young children, exploring the outdoors and teaching them about the importance of community involvement.