Rental Assistance Mississippi – RAMP-ERA

Rental Assistance Mississippi (*RAMP Rental Program Closed to New Applications)

RAMP Program Mississippi

The RAMP program is no longer accepting new recertifications and applications. Existing applications and recertifications that have already been completed will be processed according to their completion date and availability of funds. Check out more RAMP ERA resources.

Program Details

The emergency rental assistance program in Mississippi was established with a $200 million grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury. This funding was designated to help families affected by the pandemic who require rental assistance. As a result, the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) was created in Mississippi to offer support and relief.

Governor Reeves played a significant role in providing funds to the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) to effectively and efficiently allocate assistance to struggling households in Mississippi through the Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program (RAMP).

Governor Reeves allocated a significant amount of funding to RAMP, showing a commitment to assisting families experiencing financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss or reduced income during this unprecedented time.

Why Was the Program Ended?

Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi has decided to end a federal program that provides up to 15 months of free rent and utility bill payments to residents. The program, known as the Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program (RAMP), was initially created to assist those who faced hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Governor Reeves argues that the program has strayed from its original purpose, as it no longer requires applicants to provide proof of their inability to pay rent or utilities specifically because of COVID-19.

By ending this federal assistance program, Governor Reeves aims to improve workforce participation in the state. While it may be seen as a hard decision, he believes taking such actions will ultimately benefit Mississippi. By removing these benefits, it is expected that individuals will have less reliance on government aid and will be motivated to find employment or seek other means of financial stability. By prioritizing workforce participation, Governor Reeves hopes to strengthen Mississippi’s economy and reduce dependency on government aid programs.

However, critics may argue that ending this federal assistance program could potentially leave vulnerable individuals without support during a time when financial hardship continues for many due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

How Did RAMP ERA Work?

The program helped tenants who have fallen behind on their rent payments. It provided eligible Mississippi residents with 15 months of rent and utility assistance.

Eligibility

• If your household income is less than 80 percent of the typical income in your neighborhood, you are a renter.
• Qualifies for unemployment benefits or has experienced a fall in household income as a result of an unexpected event
• Displays a significant economic or financial hardship as a result of COVID-19; indicates a danger of homelessness or housing instability;

The submission of documentation is required to demonstrate eligibility.

Qualifying households that receive a monthly government subsidy may be eligible for rental assistance for the tenant-owed component of their rent under the MS RAMP program.

Additional RAMP ERA News and Resources

Rental Assistance Program in Mississippi

Mississippi sends back RAMP ERA funds

Mississippi Stops Accepting RAMP ERA Applications

Hinds County Rental Assistance

Prioritization

The primary objective of the RAMP-ERA program was to give priority to tenants who were at high risk of eviction or utility disconnection. Additionally, the program aimed to prioritize assistance for households with incomes below 50% of the area median income or households with one or more individuals who had not been employed for 90 days before the application date.

Expedited Payments

Upon receiving notification from a tenant applicant, a utility provider, a landlord, a government official, or an outreach agency, the RAMP-ERA Program may decide to escalate the review and expedite payment if the threatened eviction or disconnection is expected to take place within ten (10) days of receipt of the notification letter.

The RAMP-ERA Program may need documentation of impending eviction or utility shutoff (i.e. court summons, eviction notice, disconnect notice). RAMP-ERA Program will not prioritize applications if it determines that the eviction or disconnection concerns raised are unfounded or invalid. Because of this Policy, the RAMP-ERA Program can achieve its ultimate goal of assisting vulnerable populations in preserving their homes and necessities.