Pandemic Rent/Utilities Assistance for Low-Income Residents

Informacion en Espanol

The City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County have received federal funds under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to assist low-income residents who are behind on their rent or utilities payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is open to all renters residing in the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, who have a household income 80% or less of area median income (see chart below) and have been financially impacted by COVID-19.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is for renters only. ERAP provides assistance with rent and utilities, to include electricity, water/sewer, trash removal, natural gas, propane, fuel oil and internet. Households may receive up to 12 months of assistance.

You can also Call 1-855-838-6776 (toll free)

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Priority for this program will go to:

• Households with an income of 50% or less of area median income.
• Households that have been unemployed for 90 days or more due to COVID-19.
• Households with a pending court eviction.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Impacted financially by COVID-19:
  • Qualifies for unemployment
  • Reduction in income (furlough or reduction in work hours)
  • Had financial hardships or increased expenses (medical, food, etc.)
• Household income 80% or less of area median income (See chart below)
• Past due notice on utility bills or rent payments

HOUSEHOLD INCOME LIMITS

INCOME LIMITS FOR HOUSEHOLD SIZES 1 TO 8
	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
50% income limit*	$23,400	$26,750	$30,100	$33,400	$36,100	$38,750	$41,450	$44,100
80% income limit	$37,400	$42,750	$48,100	$53,400	$57,700	$61,950	$66,250	$70,500
*80% is the eligibility limit and 50% is for priority processing.

Required Verification:

• Driver's license or other government-issued ID for any applicant(s)
• Proof of rent (lease agreement or signed landlord verification)
• Proof of financial hardship due to COVID-19 (letter of termination, written statement, etc.)
• Proof of income for all household members
• Eviction notice or late notice (rent)
• Utility statements showing past-due amount
• Proof of other federal assistance received, if any.

Frequently Asked Questions