Illinois’ Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA)
Illinois’ Emergency Rental Assistance program will provide renters impacted by COVID-19 $5,000 for back rent and prepay through 2020, or until funds are exhausted. The application portal opens on n today, Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 21. Due to high volume, the portal may close early, so those who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Learn more here or visit era.ihda.org. (Please be aware that you may experience some technical difficulties. IDHA is aware of website issues and is working to fix them.)
Key requirements:
- Household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area median before March 1, 2020. Details here.
- Must have experienced income loss due to COVID-19, including reduced hours
- Must have a written lease/contract and unpaid rent balance that began on or after March 1
- Landlord MUST submit required documents for a complete application
Cook County’s COVID-19 Recovery: Rental Assistance Program
Cook County’s Rental Assistance Program helps suburban Cook County residents who are having difficulty paying their rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It pays up to three months of overdue or future rent, and rental payments will be sent directly to landlords by the Housing Authority of Cook County. The application portal opens Monday, August 10 and closes on Tuesday, August 18.
Key Requirements
Applicants must:
- Live in suburban Cook County and rent your home
- Have past-due status on rental payments starting March 27
- Not be a recipient of other rental assistance programs
- Prove household income before March 27 was below the 80th percentile of the Area Median Income (AMI)
More information
Illinois’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMA)
The Illinois Emergency Mortgage Assistance program will provide homeowners impacted by COVID-19 $15,000 for mortgage payment assistance. This program will begin accepting applications on Monday, August 24. Find out more here.
Key Requirements:
- Your household income before March 1 was within the allowable limits
- You, or an adult member of your household, suffered a loss of income due to COVID-19
- You missed a mortgage on or after March 1
ComEd’s Customer-Assistance Package
ComEd has announced the availability of new and continued financial assistance options for customers affected by the pandemic, ranging from grants of up to $500 to more flexible payment options.
Assistance includes:
- Extended suspension of disconnections
- Bill assistance for eligible low-income customers
- More flexible payment arrangements
- Extended fee relief
- Flexible payment options
- CARE Financial Assistance Grants
- Supplemental arrearage assistance
More information.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services, including heating, gas, propane and electricity. LIHEAP income eligibility is up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
Income eligible households may also submit a pre-application for Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding that can help pay for rent, temporary shelter, food, and other household necessities. CSBG income eligibility is also up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
Fill out a pre-application online at helpillinoisfamilies.com. More information.
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Housing Assistance to People Affected by COVID-19
See more information on the program - details below.
Niles Township Food Pantry Information Energy
See information about the Niles Township Food Pantry resources.