Struggling To Pay Rent, Utilities? The Emergency Rental Assistance Program Is Here To Help!

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unimaginable loss over the past year and a half, but it should not mean the loss of a home or utility needs. 

Through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Maine State Housing Authority is providing assistance with paying rent and utility costs to eligible Mainers. MaineHousing, partnering with local Community Action Agencies, expects to be able to help every eligible applicant and will be taking new cases through September 2022. 

*If you are a Mainer 60 or older and are facing or fear you might be facing eviction, please reach out to Legal Services for the Elderly as soon as possible for free legal assistance. All others in the same circumstances should contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance as soon as possible.*

Currently, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program is only available to renters. If you are a homeowner looking for assistance with a mortgage, please follow updates from the Maine Bureau of Consumer Protection as they develop the Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund.

Unemployment is not a requirement to apply to this program. Anyone who feels they need help paying rent and/or utilities is strongly encouraged to apply. 

Who is eligible? People and households that meet the follow requirements:

• Those with household incomes less than or equal to 80% of the local median income. Use the ERA Program Calculator to get a sense of your household’s eligibility. 
  
  
  • If you are just over your area’s income limit but still need help, please reach out to your local Community Action Agency for guidance. Find your CAA here.
• Households who have had or are having financial trouble during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Please note, the Program does not require the financial trouble to be because of the pandemic. 
• Those who are having or have had a hard time paying rent or utilities for whatever reason since March 13th, 2020.

What will the Emergency Rental Assistance Program cover?

• Rent owed back to March 13, 2020. There is no cap on the rent amounts that can be eligible for assistance.
• The next three months of upcoming rent. If you are still in need of assistance after those three months, you can apply for another three months at a time up to 18 total months of rent assistance.
• Past due utilities (the ERAP CANNOT cover FUTURE utilities):
  
  
  • Electricity, water, heat, internet, sewer, and trash
  • You can apply for utility relief without needing rent relief.

Every Mainer is deserving of a place to call home. If you need help now or in the future staying in your home or keeping on the lights for whatever reason, this program is for you. Please do not hesitate to apply. For a comprehensive list of FAQs, help of any kind with filling out an application, and for more information, visit MaineHousing.org or call 1-800-452-4668.