What is the Emergency Rental Assistance Program?

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is a government initiative designed to help renters and landlords affected by financial hardships, typically due to emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides funds to cover overdue rent, utility bills, and sometimes future rent payments for eligible households. To qualify, applicants usually need to meet income requirements and demonstrate a risk of housing instability. The goal of ERAP is to prevent evictions and ensure housing stability for vulnerable populations.