The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 included funding for states to establish emergency rental assistance programs. Pennsylvania received funding to administer assistance to renters, landlords, and utility providers who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic insecurity. People in our community and across Pennsylvania might be facing evictions as this legislation banning evictions due to COVID-19 will expire on June 30, 2021.  Please note that Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) began offering assistance in mid-March 2021 and will run until at least September 2021, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever is sooner.

ERAP was created to help renters dealing with financial challenges and landlords who have tenants unable to pay rent related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For eligible households, assistance can be provided for payment of rent, rental arrears, utility or home energy costs, utility or home energy cost arrears, or other expenses related to housing for up to 12 months (plus an additional three months, if necessary, to ensure housing stability for the household, subject to the availability of funds) that has been accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

Applications for most counties, including Delaware County can be submitted online at www.COMPASS.state.pa.us. Some counties are not using the COMPASS application, so visit DHS’ ERAP page to learn more about how to apply in your county.

 For information regarding application income limits, eligibility requirements, documents needed, and other Frequently Asked Questions, please visit DHS’ ERAP page.