The program starts soon. Check back after March 15 for details on how to apply.
Purpose
Using state and federal relief funding, Monterey County SB91 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will distribute $28 million of rent and utility assistance to low-income eligible households located in Monterey County that are facing housing instability because of loss or reduction in income due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Applying Partnering Agencies: The spending period for this funding is 3/18/2020 to 12/31/2021. Participant documentation and applications can be downloaded here.
The due date is March 1st. Please email your applications to Kelly.dewolfe@unitedwaymcca.org
Eligibility
211 Call Specialists will screen and refer qualifying applicants to partnering agencies or local governments. 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:
- Income: Household(s) need to meet a certain income threshold. Residents below 50% AMI will be prioritized and funded first:
| Household | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80% AMI | $54,250 | $62,000 | $69,750 | $77,500 | $83,700 | $89,900 |
| 50% AMI | $33,950 | $38,800 | $43,650 | $48,450 | $52,350 | $52,650 |
- Residence: Households need to live within the boundaries of the County of Monterey.
- Documentation: Households need to show housing instability resulting from loss or reduction in income due to COVID-19.
- Proof of income eligibility: May include recent tax return, paystub, W-2, bank statement, unemployment award/benefit, or hour reduction notice from employer, or an explanation by the applicant, with supporting documents, that all other financial resources have been exhausted.
- Identification: One government issued Photo ID with name and birthday (non-US is accepted)
- Past due: Rent due or delinquency notice(s)
Landlord Collaboration
A formal lease is not required, however, assistance must be paid directly to the landlord. The property landlord must provide the following documentation:
- Government-issued ID
- Tax info, such as a W9
- Confirmation that the tenant is no an immediate family member
Program Limitations
- Rent plus utility assistance may not exceed 12 months of assistance per client. Of these 12, only 3 may be future rent payments. Arrears must be paid before future payments.
- Landlord must accept ONLY 80% of the total payment that is due. If the landlord refuses to comply, the agency may only pay 25% of total rent due. Tenant is not required to pay additional 20% if landlord does not comply.