Billions in aid still available to struggling renters

On Oct 26, 2021

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To address the renters’ crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, Congress has allocated more than $45 billion in aid.

More than six months after the money was authorized, most of it is still available.

Just around a fifth of the funding, or $10 billion, had reached households by the end of last month, new data from the U.S. Department of the Treasury shows.

That so much of that aid is still unspent doesn’t mean renters aren’t struggling anymore.

Some 12 million adults remain behind on rent payments, according to a recent report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. One analysis over the summer found that the average renter in arrears owes around $3,700. In some areas, rental debts top $10,000 per household.

“There’s certainly remaining need in most states and cities,” said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

However, efforts to disburse the money have been challenged by a lack of awareness and cumbersome applications, advocates say. Still, they say renters should not give up on getting the help.

Just applying for the aid can help you stay in your home longer.

In at least five states, those who’ve put in an application are entitled to some protection from being pushed out of their homes. Those states are Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon and Washington state. Some of these policies offer renters a lot more time. Those with a pending claim in Minnesota, for example, can’t be evicted until June 2022.

Here’s what struggling renters need to know about accessing the relief.

How do I apply?

Who qualifies?

To be eligible, at least one member of your household has to qualify for unemployment benefits or attest in writing that they’ve lost income or incurred significant expenses due to the pandemic. You’ll also need to demonstrate a risk of homelessness, which may include a past-due rent or utility notice.

In addition, your income level for 2020 can’t exceed 80% of your area’s median income, although states have been directed to prioritize applicants who fall at 50% or lower, as well as those who’ve been out of work for 90 days or longer.

Some state and local programs have set additional priorities, and you may want to search for those.

For example, one fund in California is targeting the relief at Native American households. Another in Oklahoma is sending the money out first to those over the age of 62.

How much could I get?

You could receive up to 18 months of assistance, including a mix of payments for back and future rent.

If you’ve already been approved for rental funds but continue to be behind, you can typically apply again as long as you’re requesting relief for a different period of time. The money usually goes to your landlord, unless…