**DEADLINE TO APPLY EXTENDED THROUGH 11:59 PM June 15, 2021**
It was announced Monday, May 24, 2021 that the Chicago Department of Housing opened the third round of rental assistance for tenants and landlords since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) includes nearly $80 million funded through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act signed into law by Congress in December 2020 and will offer up to 15 months of rental assistance and utility payment assistance for impacted renters.
This is an encouraging action that will serve as a resource for many of our neighbors in need who are reaching out to the Society for rental assistance. The first round of Rental Assistance in March of 2020 saw over 83,000 applications, but with only $2 million available, it could only help 2000,000 households. A second round saw $24 million dollars go to 10,000 households. Mayor Lightfoot believes this third round of $80 million in funding will help prevent an unprecedented number of evictions now that Governor Pritzker is phasing out the moratorium by August. “Over the course of this incredibly difficult year, our residents, especially our most vulnerable ones, have faced unimaginable loss that is compounded by a systemic poverty and lack of access to safe, affordable housing,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will not only help to relieve these residents of the fear of losing their homes and being thrown further into uncertainty and socioeconomic instability but allow our city to make significant progress in our mission to provide our communities with resources they need to thrive long after this pandemic is over.”
To read the full press release from the Office of the Mayor, click here.
To apply, please visit the application site at chicago.gov/renthelp
Applications are open now through 11:59 PM June 15, 2021, at chicago.gov/renthelp. In addition, a call center will provide support in multiple languages to help renters and landlords complete their applications. The call center number is 312-698-0202 and will be open from 9 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday and 10 AM through 6 PM on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and on Memorial Day.
To be eligible for ERAP, tenants must:
- Live in Chicago
- Have suffered a hardship due to COVID-19, such as job loss, reduced hours, or illness within the household
- Be at risk of housing instability
- Have earned less than the maximum household income during 2020 or at the time of application (income limits can be found at Chicago.gov/renthelp)
Landlords can apply for assistance on behalf of a tenant. Landlords may also register their properties using the online application and be notified if a tenant has started the application process for rental assistance. Household income limits apply, and proof of address, income self-certification, and other documentation are needed to qualify. Proof of citizenship is not a requirement for qualification. Funds will be distributed on a rolling basis.
Call Center
If you need assistance in completing the application, contact the ERAP Call Center at 312.698.0202. Translation service is available.
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Memorial Day: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
View the frequently asked question (FAQ) sheet for answers to common questions.
Documentation Requirements
Tenants must have the following documents to complete an application:
- A government-issued photo ID
- Eligible documents: driver’s license, state ID, CityKey ID card, green cards, U.S. or foreign passports, or any other U.S. or foreign photo ID
- Proof of address (if the address on your ID is not current)
- Eligible documents: a bank or credit card statement, utility bill, lease, or other document showing your current address
- Proof of household income
- Eligible documents: paystubs, tax forms, bank statements, signed statement from your employer or case worker, or a signed statement from the applicant
- Proof of amount of monthly rent paid
- Eligible documents: lease, statement from landlord, bank statements, check stubs showing a pattern of paying rent, or other documents showing a pattern of paying rent
- Tenants who do not have one of these documents will be eligible for three months of rental assistance based on typical housing costs for their zip code.
- Most recent utility bill (if applying for utility assistance)
- Landlord’s contact information (email or phone number)
Landlords must have the following documents to complete an application:
- Proof of ownership
- Eligible documents: tax forms, property tax bill, deed, or mortgage statement
- Property management agreement (if a property manager is applying on behalf of the owner)
- Tax Identification Number of the owner
