Federal Emergency Rent Assistance

Potter County Human Services has received funds to assist those who have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to help them pay for rent and utilities.
There are specific qualifications for the program, but if you are behind on your rent and or utilities and can demonstrate a loss of income due to unemployment as a result of the pandemic, please complete the application below or call our office to request an application.
Once an application is complete, a case manager will be in contact with you to review the application and help you gather the additional information needed to complete the process.
You may contact either Thomas Patterson or McKayla Freeborn and we will assist you with the application process.  814-544-7315.

Application: Federal Emergency Rent Assistance Application

Website: Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program

What is the Emergency Rental Assistance Program?
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides assistance to households that have experienced economic insecurity and have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. ERAP provides tenant households assistance with rental costs and utilities to include arrearages.

Who can apply?
ERAP is for renters or homeless households. Tenants can apply for themselves or a landlord can apply on behalf of their current tenant(s).

What are the income limits?
Income limits vary by county. The household annual or monthly income is 80 percent or less than the Area Median Income (AMI) for their county. You can find these income limits by visiting the DHS website.

Who must be included in the application?
When completing an ERAP application, you are asked to enter the number of children and adults in your household. Identifying information (Name, Social Security Number and Birthdate) are required only for the applicant and income information is required for all adults in the household over the age of 18.

How do I receive my ERAP? What if my landlord isn't participating?
ERAP assistance is paid directly to your landlord or utility provider. In the event your landlord or utility provider does not want to participate in ERAP, a direct payment may be made to a tenant and you will be required to submit verification of payment for rent and/or utilities.

How much am I eligible for? How is my ERAP amount determined?
Your county ERAP office will review your application and determine the amount of your ERAP grant.

Can I apply for rental assistance and help with past due bills?
Yes.

Can I be eligible for ERAP if I only have lot rent?
Yes. Lot rent is an allowable rental expense.

Can I receive an ERAP grant if I receive Section 8 or live in subsidized housing?
Yes. Those receiving Section 8 or living in subsidized housing may be eligible for ERAP.

What county should I apply for ERAP in?
Apply for ERAP in the county where the tenant property is located. See website for county contact information.

What verification is needed and how do I submit it?
Tenant head of household information – name, social security number and birthdate and non-citizenship status if applicable
Annual or monthly household income information for all household members over the age of 18 (including income for Employment, Unemployment Compensation and other income)
Rental expenses
Landlord information
Utility expenses
Utility provider information
This information is submitted to your county ERAP office.

How will I know if I’m approved?
A notice will be sent to you from your ERAP provider indicating your eligibility or ineligibility.

What If I received LIHEAP?
ERAP is a separate program and an applicant can apply for and be eligible for both LIHEAP and ERAP.
ERAP will not cover or duplicate costs covered by LIHEAP.

What if I received Rental Assistance in the past year?
You could still be eligible for ERAP even if you received rental assistance in the past 12 months. If you received Federally Funded rental assistance notify your ERAP office to determine your eligibility.

Is there a time limit on this program?
At this time The Department of Human Services expects the ERAP program to run until September 30, 2025 or until funds are exhausted.

Are my bank accounts and other savings considered in determining if I am eligible for ERAP?
Resources such as bank accounts are not considered for ERAP.