Due to limited funds, new applications are closed for this program. Please click the link above to log in and check your application status or make changes to your application. If you have additional questions, please call 2-1-1 to speak with a call specialist.
Debido a fondos limitados, el programa no está aceptando aplicaciones. El último día para aplicar es el 15 de abril. Tenga en cuenta que si tiene una cita con el 211 después del 15 de abril, se respetará su cita. Si tiene más preguntas, llame al 2-1-1 para hablar con un especialista en llamadas
We have received a large quantity of applications and have fully obligated remaining funds for this program. Because of this, United Way Monterey County is no longer accepting new applications or requests for additional payments for the program. United Way Monterey County and our partner agencies are working to process applications as quickly as possible. We currently have a waitlist implemented for ALL applicants and we cannot guarantee assistance at this time. We have a large number of inquiries and limited staff to address phone calls. Staff will reach out to you when your application is being processed. Thank you for your patience. Per State guidance, we are currently prioritizing those with rental arrears and who are at immediate risk of housing instability. For more information about our prioritization policy, please click here. Thank you for your understanding.
The program is offering resources for all applicants and beneficiaries of the program, including legal resources, case management, and referrals to other services. For more information on how to access these resources, please click here.
See the below Q&As for further clarification on the above announcement:
How can I check the status of my application?
Please call 211 to check on the status of your application or login to your neighborly portal to view your status at www.MCRentHelp.com
Can I still apply for rental assistance?
Unfortunately, the application deadline ended on April 15th, 2022. We are not accepting any new applications for our program.
I am on a waitlist, what does this mean?
At this time, funds are limited for this program. We cannot guarantee assistance for any applicant at this time. For this reason, we implemented a waitlist and new prioritization policy for this program starting on January 21st, 2022. It is our goal to prioritize those who have been waiting for assistance, owe rental arrears, and are housing unstable.
Note:The program stopped accepting new applications after April 15th, 2022, due to limited funds. Per the prioritization policy effective on January 21st, 2022, the program is prioritizing rental arrears over future rent payments and utility payments. Those requesting future rent payments, or past due or future utilities will be placed on a waitlist and cannot be guaranteed funds. For more information on our prioritization policy, please read here.
Application status
Application in progress: application is currently in progress and not yet submitted
Application submitted/Waitlist: application has been submitted and is waiting to be assigned to a partner agency.
Application under agency review: application is under review by a caseworker. Please call 211 to receive information about your assigned agency/contact information. (Please note wait times are higher than usual as the demand for rental assistance in the county increases)
Will I be automatically notified when I am off the waitlist?
The system will NOT automatically notify you when your application has been removed from the waitlist. The applicant has to login into the neighborly portal to check their application status.
Is the program out of funds?
At this time, funds are limited for this program. We cannot guarantee assistance for any applicant at this time. It is our goal to prioritize those who have been waiting for assistance, owe rental arrears, and are housing unstable. For more information on our prioritization policy, please read here. If you have already applied for the program, and are concerned that you will not receive assistance, please call 211 to get connected with your participating agency.
ERAP Program Guidelines
We have updated our Smart Referral Network (SRN) terms of service. Please click here to view.
For program information view the flyers or content below. Visit the program FAQs for rental eligibility, application, and tenant rights.
Program Guidelines: Download Here
Program Flyers
Who is Eligible?
Please note: We are not currently accepting new applications for this program as funds are limited.
To be eligible for the rental and utility support through the Monterey County ERAP, residents need to meet the following requirements and provide the needed documents:
- Tenants living within the County of Monterey, regardless of immigration status
- Tenants may have formal or informal lease arrangements
- At or below 80% Area Median Income of Monterey County
*Program will prioritize funding for very low-income tenants (at or below 50% AMI), as well as those who are at immediate risk of homelessness or have rental arrears
| Household | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80% AMI | $56,950 | $65,100 | $73,250 | $81,350 | $87,900 | $94,400 |
| 50% AMI | $35,600 | $40,700 | $45,800 | $50,850 | $54,950 | $59,000 |
Tenants have suffered a COVID-19-related financial distress that caused them to be unable to pay their rent after April 1, 2020. A COVID-19-related financial distress can include any of the following:
- Loss of income caused by the pandemic
- Increased out-of-pocket expenses directly related to performing essential work during the pandemic
- Increased expenses directly related to the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Childcare responsibilities or responsibilities to care for an elderly, disabled, or sick family member directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic that limits the tenant's ability to earn income or increased costs of these responsibilities
- Other circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic that have reduced a tenant's income or increased a tenant's expenses
If you have any questions related to eligibility, the application process, or your tenant protections, please visit our FAQs page.
Required Paperwork
Applicants must provide the following to apply:
- Documentation of housing or financial instability resulting from loss or reduction in income due to COVID-19
- Proof of income eligibility (one of the following: 2021 tax return, recent pay stub, unemployment award/benefit, hour reduction notice from employer)
- Government-issued ID (from any country) that includes a photo, name, and birthday for the head of household
- Rent due notices
Information for the Landlords
If eligible, the landlord will be notified by one of the partnering agencies to provide the required paperwork(s) stated below.
A formal lease is not required, however, assistance must be paid directly to the landlord. The property landlord must provide the following forms:
- Government-issued ID
- Tax info, such as a W9
Program Limitations
- Rental assistance will be paid directly to the landlord
- Past due rent plus utility assistance may not exceed 12 months of assistance per tenant.
- Rent arrears must be paid before future payments, and only 3 months of future payments can be provided to each applicant
- Per our prioritization policy effective on January 21st, 2022, we are prioritizing rental arrears over future rent payments and utility payments. If you have applied for utility assistance only, please reach out to 211 to pursue other options. Note: The program stopped accepting new applications after April 15th, 2022, due to limited funds. Applications submitted after January 18th prior to April 15th have been placed on a waiting list and will be processed based on funding availability and prioritization policy.
- As of June 29, 2021, rent can be paid at 100%. If the tenant has already received a portion of their rent, they may contact the Agency that assisted them to request the remaining balance paid to the landlord.
- All rent accrued after April 1, 2020 is eligible.
Partnering Agencies
Community service organizations and local agencies have been awarded rent and utility funds for distribution to eligible tenants:
- City of Gonzales (831) 675-5000
- City of Greenfield: (831) 674-5591 ext. 2101
- City of Salinas: (831) 758-7901
- City of Seaside (831)899-6772
- City of Soledad: (831) 223-5178
- King City: (831) 385-3281
- Hartnell College Foundation: (831) 353-2280
- Housing Resource Center: (831) 424-9186
- Goodwill Central Coast: (831) 287–2350 Ext. 8361