The CDC put a national ban on evictions due to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The federal eviction moratorium was extended from the July 31 cut-off date but has now ended as of Aug. 26. The moratorium was initially supposed to be extended until Oct. 3, though landlords challenged the suspension.
Hence, evictions are looming and many struggling Americans continue to be in need of resources to pay rent and utilities. The American Rescue Plan signed into effect on Thursday, March 11 by President Joe Biden created a solution at the aid of these struggling and/or unemployed renters.
The emergency rental assistance program still has billions waiting for Americans to put in use to help pay their rent. Yahoo! Finance officials have warned the program could end and the billions could be reallocated into other programs if the funds aren’t put to use by the end of September.
The U.S. Treasury, White House, and other agencies teamed up in July to push the program, but as of the end of the extended federal eviction moratorium, billions are still available.
According to a statement, here are the initiatives these organizations are taking to move the program forward:
The statement added, “Treasury has also reiterated its grantees that it will use every tool available to get aid to struggling renters, including by using its statutory authority to reallocate funds that have not been obligated beginning in the fall.”
So, who qualifies for the program:
- Struggling renters must provide proof of unemployment.
- Or an individual of a household must qualify for unemployment benefits.
- Your income must be 80% less than the national average in 2020.
- Must provide proof of past-due rent and/or utilities, or risk of homelessness.
- You can also put it in writing how the pandemic has caused financial woes for you.
Despite the Biden administration’s efforts to promote the program, the states’ rollout and application process have been reported as confusing. According to USA Today, many renters and landlords have struggled with the application process or even the apps’ approval. For anyone struggling or frustrated with the application approval process, you can check with the National Low Income Housing Coalition for help.
If you’re eligible for the emergency rental assistance program then you could get aid for up to 18 months.
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