The Eviction Moratorium in the state of Illinois has been extended until April 3, 2021, which allows those impacted by COVID-19 to remain in their residences despite late and missed payments. Just this week, the CDC has signed an extension on the agency’s moratorium on evictions through June 30, further preventing the eviction of tenants who are unable to make rental payments.
We know from talking to the many that reach out to SVdP Chicago for rental and utility bill assistance, that missed payments are piling up and a looming crisis hangs over the heads of many as they attempt to keep current with household bills while working to catch up with late rent balances. “About 42% of Illinois residents are behind in their rent due to COVID,” said Karla Chrobak of CARPLS, a Chicago-based legal aid organization. “We’re talking millions of dollars of back rent, millions.”
In Suburban Cook County there is financial help available to assist renters now. Applications are now open for the Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance program. It pays up to $15,000 to help cover 12 months of missed rent and utilities payments and up to 3 months of future rent payments. Payments will be made directly to the landlord and utility company. The deadline to apply has been extended and applications now open until April 9 at 5:00 pm.
Click here for the online application and more details
Sometime in April or May, the state of Illinois expects to open up its Emergency Rental Assistance program where renters can apply up to $25,000. Same for Chicago residents, who will have their own program with no financial cap. Click here for Illinois rental assistance resources
All programs are run like a lottery system and an application is not a guarantee. We are hoping these current and forthcoming resources can be of use to the friends in need SVdP Chicago Council, Districts, and Conferences serve.