Rent and Utility Assistance
*UPDATE* Due to funding, we are not accepting new Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) applications. Applications will resume when funding is available. Homeowners assistance is still accepting applications.
Hamilton County renters, who have been financially impacted by the pandemic, can still get help to stay in their homes and keep the lights on. The Hamilton County Rent and Utility Relief Program draws on COVID aid to provide assistance for up to 12 months in past-due rent and utilities and/or can pay for three months in future for renters who live in Hamilton County and can document financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Household income of 175%-300% of poverty level | $23,783 – $40,770 | $32,034 – $54,930 | $40,303 – $69,090 | $48,563 – $83,250 | $56,823 – $97,410 |
United Way 211 Care Navigators can help you through the application process. If you have difficulty uploading appropriate documents to the application, creating an email account to apply or submitting your application, contact the United Way 211 Care Navigators.
Call 211 and ask for Cares Application Support or text 211CARES to 51555. You can also visit the website: United Way 211 Helpline – Get Help | United Way of Greater Cincinnati (uwgc.org)
Note: Use the links provided in your email after applying to check your application status.
Before You Apply
Please be prepared to attach the following verification documents to your application:
| Type of Assistance | Required Verifications |
| All Applicants |
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| Rent |
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| Utilities (Water or Gas/Electric) |
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If you are unable to attach all the required verifications to the application, you can submit them after you apply by clicking on the Submit Verifications button on the left.
NOTE: You will need the Application Confirmation Code from your application confirmation e-mail to submit additional documents.
Apply
If you have computer troubles, difficulty gathering appropriate documents, or submitting your application, please reach out to United Way 211 Care Navigators. They can help guide you through the process and even complete your application.
Call 211 and ask for Cares Application Support or text 211CARES to 51555. You can also visit the website: United Way 211 Helpline – Get Help | United Way of Greater Cincinnati (uwgc.org)
After you Apply
Confirmation E-mail
After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. This e-mail will contain an Application Confirmation Code. This code is needed if you need to submit verifications and will assist in locating your application.
Landlord Vendor Registration
If you applied for RENT assistance, your landlord must be a registered vendor. Ask your landlord to register at: https://www.hcjfs.org/services/workforce-development/vendor-registration/.
Submit Verifications
If you are unable to attach all the required documents to the application, you can submit them after you apply by clicking on the Submit Verifications button on the left.
If the caseworker contacts you and requests additional information, a checklist will be e-mailed or mailed to you with a list of documentation still required. You can submit these documents by clicking on the Submit Verifications link on the left.
Note: You will need the Application Confirmation Code found in the confirmation e-mail you received when you submitted your application.
