Struggling to Cover Rent? Here's Where Assistance Is Available

Despite the existence of the federal moratorium, eviction protections were not universally applied. It varied among states in the United States, and not all renters were informed about its availability or how to utilize it effectively. Consequently, its coverage fell short of reaching its potential impact.

While the federal eviction moratorium has expired, individuals struggling to afford rent or utilities due to the pandemic and facing eviction may qualify for individual government assistance programs.

Even though the Supreme Court has lifted the federal eviction ban, another initiative persists. The government's groundbreaking $47 billion rental aid program, designed to alleviate financial burdens caused by the pandemic, remains operational. This program provides relief for energy bills and can cover rent for up to 18 months for tenants facing financial hardship.

However, bureaucratic hurdles have slowed down the federal program's implementation since its inception last year. Nonetheless, authorities are striving to streamline the process to facilitate both tenants and landlords in accessing their entitled funds. Various resources are accessible to help individuals navigate the application process and determine eligibility criteria.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has established an online platform enabling individuals to input their location, facilitating access to contact details for local organizations overseeing rental aid provision in their vicinity.

Additionally, the nonprofit National Low Income Housing Coalition operates a website offering comprehensive information on 493 state and local agencies responsible for aid distribution. These details include whether applicants can simply declare pandemic-related financial struggles and income loss, or if additional eligibility criteria must be met. Some states require supporting documentation such as leases and pay stubs to validate eligibility.

As per current regulations, an estimated 750,000 individuals nationwide are at risk of eviction by year-end.

As the national eviction moratorium ends, the rental assistance program emerges as the primary safeguard for American renters. Despite several state eviction bans set to expire by September, evictions may resume in around 90% of the nation by October, underscoring the ongoing need for financial support.

If the current pace of rental aid distribution persists, 1 to 2 million families could face rent arrears when the remaining state eviction moratoriums conclude. Although a federal assistance program exists, it remains largely unknown to the public. Calls for increased federal support persist, yet Congress has yet to propose additional aid measures.