IHDA Extends Deadline For Emergency Rental Assistance

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Renters who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and missed rent payments may be eligible for up to $5,000 in emergency rental assistance from the Illinois Housing Department Authority. The application period has been extended to Aug. 28

Only one application per household is allowed. An application is not a guarantee of assistance. You will be eligible for emergency rental assistance if:

• Your household income before March 1, 2020 was at or below 80% of the Average Median Income.
• You, or an adult member of your household, suffered a loss of income due to COVID-19.
• You missed a rent payment on or after March 1, 2020, and your landlord is willing to participate.

The state housing authority developed the ERA program to support Illinois renters unable to pay their rent due to a COVID-19 related loss of income. Due to anticipated high volume, the application may close early.

Renters whose application is approved will receive a one-time grant of $5,000 paid directly to their landlord to cover missed payments beginning March 2020 and make prepay arrangements through December 2020, or until the $5,000 runs out, whichever comes first.

To help tenants apply for the program, IHDA has partnered with 62 community and outreach assistance organizations standing by to help available at era.ihda.org. Applications are limited and expected to close early due to high demand.

BEDS Plus is available to help renters in danger of losing their housing with their applications. Leave your name and phone number by calling 708-354-0858. Please state that you need IHDA rental assistance. You will receive a call from BEDS staff assigning you an appointment time to submit your application. Due to the volume of appointments, you will need to be available at the assigned time.