Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA): Are Funds Still Available in 2025?

During the height of the pandemic, the federal government flooded the country with $46 billion in Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA). It was a lifeline that paid the rent for millions of families.

Here is the reality check for 2025: The big federal spigot has been turned off.

The official “Period of Performance” for the second wave of funding (ERA2) ended on September 30, 2025. This means the U.S. Treasury is no longer sending new money to states for this specific program.

HOWEVER, this does not mean all help is gone.

Many states, counties, and cities have:

1. Remaining Funds: Some localities are still spending down their allocated cash or have received reallocated funds from other states.
2. State-Funded Programs: Many states (like California, New York, and Massachusetts) created their own permanent rental assistance programs using the infrastructure built during the pandemic.
3. Eviction Diversion Programs: Courts and nonprofits are using leftover funds to stop evictions at the last minute.

If you are facing eviction, do not assume “the program is over.” You need to look locally.

Key Details at a Glance

What This Opportunity Offers

If you can find an active local program, the benefits are substantial:

• Back Rent: They can pay up to 12-15 months of overdue rent.
• Future Rent: Some programs pay 3 months of future rent to help you stabilize.
• Utilities: Money for electricity, gas, water, and internet bills.
• Moving Costs: Security deposits and application fees if you need to move.

Who Should Apply

1. Tenants Facing Eviction If you have received a “Pay or Quit” notice, apply immediately. In many jurisdictions, simply applying for assistance pauses the eviction process.

2. Low-Income Families Most programs prioritize households earning less than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). If you are a single mom working a minimum wage job, you are the priority.

3. The Unemployed If you have been out of work for 90 days or more, you are often fast-tracked.

Insider Tips for Finding Funds in 2025

Since the federal website is no longer the best source, you need to be a detective.

1. Call “2-1-1” This is the universal number for essential community services. Call 2-1-1 and ask: “Are there any active rental assistance programs in my county?” Operators have the most up-to-date lists of local charities and agencies.

2. Search for “Eviction Diversion” Don’t just search for “ERA.” Search for “Eviction Diversion Program [Your County].”

• Many courts now have programs where a mediator helps you and your landlord agree on a payment plan, often funded by local grants.

3. Check with St. Vincent de Paul / Salvation Army These large nonprofits often administer the “last resort” funds for cities. Even if the government portal is closed, these charities might have a check for you.

4. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Tool The CFPB maintains a tool to find rental assistance programs. While some links might be dead, it is a good starting point to find the name of the agency in your area.

Application Timeline

• Immediate: If you are behind on rent, talk to your landlord. Tell them you are seeking assistance.
• Application: If a portal is open, apply online. Upload your lease and income docs.
• Processing: This can take 4-8 weeks.
• Payment: The check is usually mailed directly to the landlord.

Required Materials

• Lease Agreement: Signed by you and the landlord.
• Ledger: A document from the landlord showing exactly how much you owe (month by month).
• Income Proof: Pay stubs, unemployment letter, or a tax return.
• Hardship Letter: A brief note explaining why you can’t pay (e.g., “I lost my job,” “My hours were cut,” “I had a medical emergency”).

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Landlord Cooperation. These programs work best when the landlord is on board.

• Tip: Ask your landlord to provide their W-9 and bank details early. If the agency has to chase your landlord for paperwork, your application sits in the “Pending” pile. If the landlord submits their part proactively, you move to the “Payment” pile.

Complete Documentation from Day One The difference between a fast approval and a slow rejection is often just paperwork. Have everything ready before you start:

• Every page of your lease (including addendums).
• A detailed rent ledger showing every payment and every missed payment.
• Three months of income documentation (pay stubs, bank statements, or unemployment letters).
• Utility bills if you are requesting utility assistance.

The Right Story Your hardship letter matters. Don’t just say “I can’t pay.” Explain the specific event that caused your crisis: “I was laid off from my warehouse job on March 15. I applied for unemployment but it took six weeks to receive my first check. During that gap, I fell three months behind on rent.” Specifics build credibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting Until the Sheriff Arrives Rental assistance takes time. If you wait until the court has already ordered the eviction, it might be too late. Apply the moment you miss a payment.

2. Incomplete Applications If they ask for 2 months of pay stubs, don’t send 1. Bureaucracies look for reasons to deny you. Give them exactly what they ask for.

3. Ignoring Utility Bills Many people forget that ERA can pay for electricity and gas. If you are behind on rent, you are probably behind on utilities too. Apply for both at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord evict me while I’m waiting? It depends on your state laws. In some states, applying for assistance gives you legal protection. In others, it does not. Contact a local Legal Aid organization to know your rights.

Do I have to pay it back? No. ERA funds are a grant, not a loan.

Can I apply if I live with roommates? Yes. You are considered a “household.” You will need to provide income info for all adults contributing to the rent.

What if my landlord refuses to participate? Some programs allow direct-to-tenant payments if the landlord refuses to cooperate, but this is less common. If your landlord won’t participate, document your attempts to contact them (emails, certified letters) and present this to the agency. They may still be able to help.

Are undocumented immigrants eligible? This varies by local program. The federal ERA guidelines did not require citizenship or legal immigration status—what mattered was household income and housing need. However, individual states and counties may have added their own restrictions. Call 2-1-1 to ask about your specific situation.

How to Apply

1. Call 2-1-1 to find active local programs.
2. Visit your State Housing Finance Agency website.
3. Contact your local Community Action Agency.

Official Treasury Page (Historical Info): https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/emergency-rental-assistance-program