County Has Millions In Aid For Rent and Utilities
Federal Eviction Moratorium Ends July 31, 2021 - Assistance Is Still Available through the Hamilton County Rent and Utility Relief Program
Hamilton County renters, who have been financially impacted by the pandemic, can still get help to stay in their homes and keep the lights on. The Hamilton County Rent and Utility Relief Program draws on COVID aid to provide assistance for up to 12 months in past-due rent and utilities and/or can pay for three months in future for renters who live in Hamilton County and can document financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The County will pay rent and utility bills for households at or below 80% of the Area Median Income:
| Persons in Household |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
| Income Ceiling |
$47,850 |
$54,650 |
$61,500 |
$68,300 |
$73,800 |
$79,250 |
| Persons in Household |
Income Ceiling |
| 1 |
$47,850 |
| 2 |
$54,650 |
| 3 |
$61,500 |
| 4 |
$68,300 |
| 5 |
$73,800 |
| 6 |
$79,250 |
The CDC’s eviction moratorium is set to expire after July 31, 2021 and is not expected to be extended. This impacts renters who provided their landlords with paperwork stating a hardship due to the pandemic.
The County has spent nearly $10 million in federal funds, including Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security Act (CARES) and Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds, to help support 4,300 families stay in their homes. HCJFS’s goal is to process all complete applications within 10 business days.
In most cases, the Hamilton County Rent and Utility Program's application can be submitted on a smart phone. Individuals 60+ or individuals who do not have internet access or access to a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, can call 211 and request to speak to a Care Coordinator or text 211CARES to 51555 to see if United Way 211 can help. The 513 Relief Bus will also help applicants with the process, find the bus route here.
What about homeowners? Hamilton County Commissioners have also set aside $5 million in American Rescue Plan aid for homeowners to keep them from foreclosure. The County plans to start taking applications from eligible homeowners in September.