Rent assistance is available in Centre County. Here’s what to know about applying
Correction: This story was corrected June 23 to reflect updated information about ERAP 2 and to provide contact information for Centre County’s Office of Adult Services.
Although renters assistance funds have dried up in many states, help is still available in Pennsylvania.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program aims to help renters avoid eviction by providing financial aid for costs related to rent, utilities, relocation, internet services and more.
The program is currently accepting applications, and Centre County Adult Services Director Faith R. Ryan said the county will make a public announcement when officials anticipate closing ERAP applications.
Centre County has spent $10,437,581.66 on the program, according to data reported through May 31. More than 1,600 households have been served, so far.
How can you know if you’re eligible for aid before spending the time to apply? Here’s program details and who may qualify.
Who’s eligible for rental assistance in Pennsylvania?
Renters can apply for funds, and landlords can apply on behalf of current tenants.
Here’s who is eligible to apply in Pennsylvania:
Responsible to pay rent on residential property.
At least one person in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits, had an income decrease, increased household costs or other financial hardship related directly or indirectly to the coronavirus pandemic.
At least one household member can show a risk of experiencing housing instability or homelessness.
Household has no more than 80% of area median income. In Centre County, the limit is $49,700 for one person, $56,800 for two, $63,900 for three and $70,950 for a four-person household. More information about income limits can be found online.
What can rent assistance be used for in Pennsylvania?
Applicants may receive up to 18 months of funds used to cover rent and rent debts, utilities, home energy costs or other housing expenses, according to Centre County’s website.
The money can be used for expenses accrued as far back as March 2020.
Aid will be provided directly to the landlord or utility provider. If the landlord/provider does not want to participate in the program, funds may be directly given to the tenant. Payment given directly to the tenant must be given to the landlord to reduce obligation.
How can you apply for rent help in Pennsylvania?
An online application is available using the commonwealth’s Compass website, compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/Public/CMPHome.
The application cannot be saved if you do not submit it in one session.
Here’s what you need to complete the application:
Rental expenses
Utility expenses
Tenant “head of household” information, including name, address, Social Security number (optional), contact information and phone number.
Landlord or property manager information
Utility provider information
You may also need to provide:
Personal identification
Unemployment letter or proof of decreased income (pay stubs)
Proof of income for all household members under 18
Wage statements such as pay stubs, W-2s, tax filings, direct deposit statements or attestation from employer
Documentation of “unearned” income including unemployment, social security and retirement benefits and child/spousal support
Documents showing rent or late rental payments due, utility bills and other housing-related expenses experienced due to COVID-19
You will receive an application confirmation number and will be able to download and print your application upon completion.
“We are finding that our first-time applicants ... we can process that within a 30-day or less turnaround, which is an incredible improvement for us since we still receive about 50 to 100 applications every week,” Ryan said.
Wait times for recertification are typically longer due to a long waitlist of pending applications, Ryan said.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program’s Centre County contact is the Office of Adult Services, which is located at 3500 E. College Ave., Suite 1200, State College, PA 16801.
You can submit your application online, by mail to the Office of Adult Services or via email at adultservices@centrecountypa.gov. You can also file through fax (814-355-8625) or in person. More information about in-person drop-offs can be found online.
This story was originally published May 23, 2022 at 2:58 PM.
