Britton: Friday is the deadline for rental and utility assistance

Commissioner Scott Britton, 14th District, has announced that the second round of Emergency Rental Assistance is closing on Friday, Oct. 29. The program dedicates an additional $75 million, funded through the American Rescue Plan, to provide up to 18 months of rental and utility assistance to both tenants and landlords impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is just one more step forward on the County's road to recovery from COVID-19," Commissioner Britton said. "As we build a bridge to move past the pandemic, it is crucial that we create equitable pathways for real recovery for those most disproportionally devastated by the economic, social, and physical effects of the pandemic. This emergency rental and utility assistance provides our County's most vulnerable residents with the assistance they need to get back on their feet and stay housed. I encourage anyone in need of assistance paying rent or utilities to apply, as a housed community is a healthy community."

ERA 2 can help with up to 18 months of rental assistance. The program will also cover past and current utility expenses, or other related housing expenses including relocation costs, security deposits, processing fees, and temporary housing solutions. This program is available to all renters, including public housing residents and families with Housing Choice Vouchers.

To qualify for assistance under ERA 2, applicants must:

• Live in suburban Cook County and rent their place of residence.

• Have a current or future obligation to pay rent, utilities, and/or other housing-related expenses and have a household annual income at or below established requirements.

• Have proof of financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic such as losing income, working fewer hours, being furloughed, needing to stay home because of risk of infection or to care for a child, or incurring significant costs during COVID-19.

Priority will be given to eligible households that have received an eviction notice, households where at least one member has been unemployed for 90 days prior to applying, households where an individual pays more than 50% of income on rent, and households that are considered overcrowded.

To apply for Emergency Rental Assistance, visit cookcountyil.gov/rent-help.

For questions, call Commissioner Britton's Office at (847) 729-9300 or use the online form at CommissionerScottBritton.com.