Pandemic Rent/Utilities Assistance for Low-Income Residents

Informacion en Espanol

The City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County have received federal funds under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to assist low-income residents who are behind on their rent or utilities payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is open to all renters residing in the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, who have a household income 80% or less of area median income (see chart below) and have been financially impacted by COVID-19.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is for renters only. ERAP provides assistance with rent and utilities, to include electricity, water/sewer, trash removal, natural gas, propane, fuel oil and internet. Households may receive up to 12 months of assistance.

HOW TO APPLY:

Click Here to Apply

Hacer Clic Aqui para Aplicar

You can also Call 1-855-838-6776 (toll free)

Priority for this program will go to:

Households with an income of 50% or less of area median income.
Households that have been unemployed for 90 days or more due to COVID-19.
Households with a pending court eviction.

Eligibility Criteria:

Impacted financially by COVID-19:
- Qualifies for unemployment
- Reduction in income (furlough or reduction in work hours)
- Had financial hardships or increased expenses (medical, food, etc.)
Household income 80% or less of area median income (See chart below)
Past due notice on utility bills or rent payments

HOUSEHOLD INCOME LIMITS

INCOME LIMITS FOR HOUSEHOLD SIZES 1 TO 8
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
50% income limit^*	$23,400	$26,750	$30,100	$33,400	$36,100	$38,750	$41,450	$44,100
80% income limit	$37,400	$42,750	$48,100	$53,400	$57,700	$61,950	$66,250	$70,500
^*80% is the eligibility limit and 50% is for priority processing.

Additional help for Renters

Para asistencia para inquilinos

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is included in "household income"?

The household income is the combined total income of all adults living in the home, including adult children aged 18 and older.

I live by myself. Am I an eligible to apply?

Yes, provided that you are responsible for paying the rent, and utilities where you live and that you meet all the other eligibility criteria.

How do I prove that my household has experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19?

Provide documents that show that one or more individuals within the household:

Proof of unemployment benefits,
Proof of a reduction in income,
Proof of increased expenses,
Proof of other financial hardship.

First name, last name, and social security number of adult household members. Those without a social please enter 000-00-0000.
Identification - The applicant and the co-applicant must provide identification (ID) to get assistance. Photo ID is preferred, such as a driver's license, state ID card, military ID card, or any passport. Many other forms of ID can also be used, such as a birth certificate, a Medicaid or Medicare card, a signed Social Security card or an ID card issued by employer or religious organization/place of worship.
Signed lease agreement
Letter of unemployment benefits, if applicable
Proof of Income for each adult household member (tax documents, paystubs, unemployment award letter, savings and checking account statements, child support income documentation, if applicable) OR a Determination letter from a government agency verifying the household income is at or below 80% of the area median income
For Rental Assistance, an eviction notice or late payment notice
For Utility Assistance, utility bills showing amounts due for each month of assistance requested. The bill must include the household address and one household member's name
Documents for prior rental assistance received (if applicable)
Additional documentation not listed above to demonstrate household income, economic impact, risk of homelessness, and other assistance received that is relevant to your application