By Adrian Stevens
The ERA program makes available funding to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The SNHA will use the funds to provide assistance to eligible households through the SNHA ERA Programs. This program does not include homeownership or mortgages.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Eligibility
An “eligible household” is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria:
• Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19;
• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median. Guidelines to Income Limits as of July 30, 2020:
Person(s) Income Limit
1 $43,960
2 $50,240
3 $56,250
4 $62,800
5 $67,824
6 $72,848
7 $77,872
8 $82,896
Rental assistance provided to an eligible household should not be duplicative of any other federally funded rental assistance provided to such household.
Eligible households that include an individual who has been unemployed for the 90 days prior to application for assistance and households with income at or below 50 percent of the area median are to be prioritized for assistance.
Household income is determined as either the household’s total income for calendar year 2020 or the household’s monthly income at the time of application. Income eligibility must be re-determined every 3 months.
Available Assistance
Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, plus an additional 3 months if the grantee determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and grantee funds are available. The payment of existing housing-related arrears that could result in eviction of an eligible household is prioritized. Assistance must be provided to reduce an eligible household’s rental arrears before the household may receive assistance for future rent payments. Arrears will be eligible starting at the date of March 13th, 2020. Once a household’s rental arrears are reduced, grantees may only commit to providing future assistance for up to three months at a time. Households may reapply for additional assistance at the end of the three-month period if needed and the overall time limit for assistance is not exceeded.
Application Process
An application for rental assistance may be submitted by an eligible head of household. Households and landlords must apply through the SNHA ERA program. In general, funds will be paid directly to landlords and utility service providers.
Applications are available at the SNHA offices starting on Monday, February 22, 2021.
Applications will be available at SNHA offices located at 50 Iroquois Drive, Irving or at 44 Seneca St Elder Complex, Salamanca. Any questions you may call 716-532-5000.
