EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE (ERA) PROGRAM

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February 9, 2021: Phoenix Approves $51 Million in Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance

The Mayor and members of the Phoenix City Council have approved distribution of $51 million in new federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) dollars to Phoenix residents who need help making their rent payments and covering the cost of home utilities.

Last year, the city distributed more than $29 million in CARES Act assistance to more than 5,700 households. Yet, while COVID-19 continues to stress public health and the local economy, the need persists.

The new ERA Program is structured differently than the prior CARES Act Program. Under the ERA, eligible residents may receive up to 15 months of help with past due rent. There is no cap on the dollar amount of assistance, but participants must be recertified every three months. Utility assistance includes help with current and past due amounts for residential water, gas and electricity.

Mayor Kate Gallego said, “There is immense day-to-day stress when you’re unsure how you will pay the rent or keep the lights on in your home. Today’s decision by the council will give our residents financial and emotional relief, and go a long way toward preventing homelessness.”

Remarkably, new research suggests this kind of assistance may also prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to researchers at Duke University, a moratorium on local evictions can reduce the number of new infections and deaths, underscoring the value of keep families in their homes.

Those who apply for the ERA funds must make less than $62,250 for a family of four, and must have sustained a reduction in household income due to COVID-19. While the program does not cover mortgage payments, it does place a priority on families whose income is lower than $38,900 for a family of four and have been out of work for more than 90-days prior to applying for assistance.

The new program will be administered by the city’s Human Services Department and the non-profit Wildfire. Applications can be submitted by phone or online, beginning in early March.

Downloads and Reference

Emergency Rental Assistance Program Flyer (ENGLISH PDF) (SPANISH PDF)

Phoenix City Council Policy Session (Video) - February 9, 2021

Contact Us

Email: RentHelp@Phoenix.gov

Note when you submit an email it falls under the city's policy which states that the email message is: (1) subject to public
disclosure under the Public Records Law, (2) not private or confidential and (3) retained for 90 days.

How Can I Apply?

There are two ways to apply.

Effective March 8, call Phoenix's Human Services Department at 602-534-AIDE(2433) on Mondays only, starting at 8 a.m. to schedule a telephone appointment for emergency financial assistance

Submit an application online through Wildfire (application link will be added upon availability after launch of program on March 8)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria?

Must be a Phoenix resident

Able to show a financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Income at or below 80% of Area Median Income or $62,250 for a family of 4

Unemployed and/or receiving unemployment benefits

Assistance for rent and utility obligations incurred after March 13, 2020

What can these funds pay for?

Rent, including late fees

Utility bills, this includes electric and gas

City Services bills, this includes water and trash

What are the payment amounts?

Rental Arrears – up to 12 months of assistance (residents in subsidized housing must have a rental obligation to qualify for rental assistance)

Forward Rent – residents may qualify for up to 3 months forward rent once past due or arrears are paid in full, and if the household is unstable

Utility Bills (electric and gas) arrears and credits

City Services Bill (water) arrears and credits

I am a landlord, can I apply for tenants behind on rent?

Yes, landlords may apply with the tenants permission.

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