The County of Orange was allocated $65,576,556 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for the implementation of the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program. The ERA Program provides funding to assist households that have been unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ERA Program must be used for unpaid rent and utility bills for rental households only. Eligible utilities are: electricity, gas, water, and home energy costs only. Maximum financial assistance is up to $10,000 per household to pay for rental arrears and past-due utilities.
The ERA Program is available for renter households who:
· Have rental arrears and past due utility bills
· Have experienced financial hardships due to COVID-19 (i.e., loss of employment or reduction in income)
· Can provide needed documentation
· Residing in Orange County, excluding the Cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Irvine. Rental households in those three cities can apply for rental assistance directly through city-run programs
The first open application period is February 1st through February 28th and the application will be available online or by phone. If you have questions about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, including eligibility and application process, please contact 2-1-1 Orange County by dialing 2-1-1 or toll-free at (888) 600-4357.