Hoosiers struggling to pay their rent due to COVID-19 can now apply for more help from the state. Applications are now being accepted for the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program, according to Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority Executive Director Jacob Sipe.
“Eligible renter households may receive up to 12 months of assistance,” Sipe said during state officials’ COVID-19 press conference Wednesday. “This includes forward-facing rent and rental arrears. Other assistance includes utilities, home energy, and internet arrears. Any arrears may be for expenses incurred since April 1, 2020.”
To qualify, a household must have experienced unemployment, a drop in income, an increase in costs, or other financial hardship due to COVID-19. They must also have a household income below 80 percent of the state median and be at risk of housing instability.
You can apply at IndianaHousingNow.org or by calling 211. However, those living in St. Joseph, Elkhart, and Lake counties, along with some other larger population centers, will have to apply through a local program.
Information about mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and other COVID-19 resources can be found on the IHCDA website.
