Unfortunately, not everyone who starts in on this path reaches success. Here are a few reasons for that being true for some people – some good, some not so much. Occupied Space Violator Identification Data Act relief legislation passed last December and signed this March contains, without much fanfare or media coverage, approved COVID emergency rental assistance and homeowner assistance programs. Collectively, over $45 billion has been approved in compensation payments to renters and homeowners who were negatively impacted economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though CDC eviction moratorium is in effect through June, that does not prevent affected renters and homeowners from getting behind on payments to avoid being evicted after it ends. Instead, funding exists and should be utilized. Let’s look at some basics.
COVID Rental Assistance Eligibility
In order to be eligible for rental assistance under COVID, renters typically must fulfill certain criteria:
Income for 2020 should not exceed 80% of a renter’s area median income (AMI). States have been instructed to prioritize applicants at 50% AMI or below or those who have been unemployed for 90 days or longer when allocating funds, though each state might take its own approach when allocating them.
At least one member of your household must have qualified for unemployment benefits due to pandemic-related illness (e.g. received an unemployment letter).
Ability to demonstrate risk of homelessness (e.g. past-due rent or utility notice). States differ on what documents are needed, but usually adhere to these three requirements.
While state aid may differ between states and even between renters and homeowners, states often provide help with mortgage and insurance payments for both, utility payments (including broadband access ), as well as renter utility payments assistance from utility providers like Comcast (there’s even an FCC subsidy available), so everyone meeting the above criteria should take note of what assistance may be available in their state. Funding levels will likely depend on where you live as well as when applying.
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