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Currently, we are not accepting ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) applications

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Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

Currently, we are NOT accepting  ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) Applications. 

 

If you have applied for ERAP and have questions, you may call 301-797-4161 x302 or email erap@wccac.org.

Has COVID-19 affected your ability to pay rent?

You may be eligible for assistance with current or past due payments.

How can ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) help?  

The Maryland Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides financial assistance for the following:

  • Up to 12 months of overdue rent – going back to March 13, 2020
  • Up to 12 months of overdue utility or home energy costs – going back to March 13, 2020
  • Up to 3 months of current or future months’ rent at a time
  • Up to 3 months of current or future months’ utility costs at a time
  • Housing-related costs due to COVID19 such as relocation assistance, security deposit, rental application fees, and accrued late fees

Each household is eligible for up to 15-18 months of total assistance under ERAP.

ERAP cannot pay for rental and utility costs that have been or will be covered under another funding source (no duplication of benefits).

The tenant may apply for assistance or their landlord may apply for assistance on the tenant’s behalf.

Tenants must sign the application and attest all the information in the application is true.

Applicants are entitled to receive reasonable accommodations for disabilities, literacy and comprehension, lack of technology/internet access, and more at the time of application and throughout the process to determine eligibility.  Examples of reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to receiving assistance from staff to complete the application, waivers of certain documentation requirements, and extended time to reply to program communications.

Applicants may also request translated versions of forms into languages other than English, as well as access to interpreter services to communicate with program staff in their primary language.

Household Eligibility Information

To be eligible for ERAP, tenants must meet the following requirements:

  • Tenant is required to pay rent or utility costs
  • Tenant has annual household income under 80% of the Area Median Income for their county and household size
  • One adult in the household qualifies for unemployment assistance OR has financial hardship directly or indirectly related to COVID19
  • Household is at risk of losing their housing or utilities, is currently homeless, or needs to find new housing due to unsafe, unsanitary, or overcrowded housing conditions

If the household has an annual income below 50% of the Area Median Income for their county or has a household member who has been unemployed for the last 90 days, their application will be prioritized for assistance.

Washington County Area Median Income

Persons in Household 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
30% AMI 16,250 18,550 21,960 26,500 31,040 35,580 40,120 44,660
                 

Minimum Required Documentation

The applicant must attach the following supporting documents to the application for it to be considered complete and to ensure timely processing:
 

  1. Copy of lease or alternative documentation of rental unit address and monthly rent amount (such as a letter from landlord)
     
  2. Documentation of how much rent or utilities are due (such as an overdue rent notice from the landlord or utility bill
     

Tenants will also be asked to provide documentation of their income, like pay stubs or benefits statements. Applications with income documentation can be processed faster. However, if documentation is not available to you when you submit the application, the program can still assist the tenant based on their self-reported income and household size in the application.  Tenants will also be asked to self-report how they have been impacted financially by COVID19.

Supporting documentation for the application can be accepted in multiple formats – digital copy, photo, email, etc.  Original documents are never required.  When copies of documentation are not available, a caseworker or other service providers/community organizations may also certify household eligibility based on their knowledge and experience working with the tenant.

For More Information

Email CAC: ERAP@wccac.org

State of MD Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)