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. Please note that if you currently have an appointment with 211, your appointment will still be honored. If you have additional questions, please call 2-1-1 to speak with a call specialist.
Debido a fondos limitados, el programa no esta aceptando aplicaciones. El último día para aplicar es el 14 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 we understand there are long wait times associated with this program. United Way Monterey County and our partner agencies are aware of this and working to process applications as quickly as possible. Due to limited funds, we are currently prioritizing those with rental arrears and who are at immediate risk of housing instability. We want to serve you 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.
See the below Q&As for further clarification on the above announcement:
What changes are being made to the online portal?
Starting January 17th, we will be processing applications through Neighborly Software for a waitlist for this program. This will allow us to better track applications, prioritize those who urgently need assistance, and provide better communications to our community.
I am on a waitlist, what does this mean?
At this time, funds are limited for this program. We cannot guarantee assistance for any new applicant at this time. For this reason, we are implementing a waitlist and new prioritization policy for this program starting on January 17th. 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.
Application status
Application in progress: application is currently in progress and not yet submitted
Application submitted: application has been submitted and is waiting to be reviewed
Application under agency review: application is under review by a case worker
(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.
I applied after January 17th. Has my application been received?
Please check your email or spam email for a confirmation that your application has been received from neighborly. You can also check the status of your application by logging into your neighborly portal at www.MCRentHelp.com
I applied prior to January 17th. Has my application been received?
If you applied before January 6th, your application has been received. Please call 211 to inquire about the status of your application, or to update your contact information.
Is the program out of funds?
At this time, funds are limited for this program. We cannot guarantee assistance for any new applicant at this time. For this reason, we are implementing a waitlist for this program starting on January 17th. It is our goal to prioritize those who have been waiting for assistance, owe rental arrears, and are housing unstable. 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?
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: 2020 tax return, recent paystub, W-2, bank statement, 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
As of May 25, both tenants and landlords can apply directly. 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
- 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 (Landlord applications only)
- Goodwill Central Coast: (831) 287–2350 Ext. 8361