Rent help programs

State and local programs may have money to help you pay rent and other bills. Contact your state to find emergency rent help. Each state has its own rules for who qualifies. Apply early, because the money can take several weeks to arrive.

Call 211 to find rent help near you. A local 211 specialist can tell you which programs serve your area.

Alabama's Emergency Solutions Grant program pays for rent, utilities (water, electric, gas), and moving costs. It helps people who are homeless or about to lose their home. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs runs it statewide with federal money. For help, call 211 or find your county's homeless assistance contact on the department's website.

Alabama pays local nonprofit groups and city or county governments across the state to help renters who are homeless or close to losing their home. This help can include paying rent. This funding can also help pay utilities (water, electric, gas) and moving costs. If you need help now, call 211 or contact your county's Continuum of Care, the local network that connects people to housing help.

The City of Albuquerque runs an emergency rental and utility assistance program through its Health and Social Service Centers. It can help with unpaid rent and utilities if you risk eviction or a utility shutoff. Funding is limited and depends on money being available. Contact the Health & Social Service Center closest to you, such as the John Marshall center at 505-848-1345.

The City of Albuquerque runs an emergency rental and utility assistance program. It helps renters behind on rent or utilities (water, electric, gas). They must be at risk of eviction or of having utilities shut off. It is only for people who live in Albuquerque. Funding is limited. Contact the Health & Social Services Center nearest you.

New Mexico ran a statewide rental assistance (money to help pay rent) program. It closed on June 30, 2023 and no longer takes applications.

For help paying bills in Austin, dial 877-541-7905. It is a free line for state and local help programs, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Massachusetts offers state and local rental assistance (money to help pay rent) for renters facing housing problems. Check the state's official rental assistance website to see what is open now and who can qualify.

California's COVID-19 Rent Relief program ran during the pandemic. The state now lists it under Programs: Archived and describes it in the past tense, so it does not appear to take new applications. Statewide help now goes through CalWORKs Homeless Assistance, for families who get or qualify for CalWORKs. It can pay up to 2 months of back rent to stop an eviction. Apply at your county welfare office with form CW-42.

Colorado's Emergency Rental Assistance program (CERA) gives renters rental assistance (money to help pay rent) on a short term basis. It helps renters who are at risk of eviction or being forced to move. To qualify, you must have fallen behind on rent and meet income limits and other rules. Funds can also cover related fees needed to prevent displacement, and in some cases moving costs. The most a household can usually get is $15,000. The state may give more in some cases, depending on the household's situation.

As of today, CERA's monthly pre-application window is closed. The next window opens October 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and closes October 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Call or text the CARE Center at 303-838-1200. It is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mountain time, and can help with your options and how to apply.

Colorado's Division of Housing runs the Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance program, called CERA. It offers rental assistance (money to help pay rent) for renters behind on rent who risk losing their home. A household may get up to $15,000 if it meets income limits and other rules. CERA's main application window opens only at set times and is closed right now. Call the CARE Center at 303-838-1200 to see if you can apply.

The Delaware State Housing Authority's website says to call the Delaware Housing Crisis Line at 1-833-346-3233. It says this if you face eviction, displacement, or homelessness.

Call 211 to find help near you, including help with housing and utility (water, electric, gas) bills. Every call is confidential.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program that pays part of the monthly rent for households that qualify. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) takes applications only when its waiting list is open. You can check the list status at https://dca.georgia.gov/housing-choice-voucher or call 470-802-4707.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program pays part of the monthly rent for households that qualify. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) does not run it in 10 counties. They include Bibb, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton, Glynn, Muscogee, Richmond and Sumter. In those counties, the county’s housing authority runs the program.

United Way has an online guide to local resources that can provide rental assistance (help paying rent). You search by your address to find agencies. Some agencies serve only certain groups and have rules about who qualifies.

The Salvation Army gives emergency money for rent and for utility (home service) bills through Project Share. The utility help is for Georgia Power customers.

Aloha United Way 211 is Hawaii's statewide helpline. Its staff can help you find financial assistance. Call 211, call 808-275-2000, or call toll-free 1-877-275-6569. The service is free and confidential.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority runs federal and State public housing. On Oahu, it also offers monthly rental assistance (money toward your rent) through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8. Call (808) 204-9042.

Idaho Housing and Finance Association runs Housing Choice Vouchers (a program that helps qualified low-income renters afford safe and stable housing by reducing housing expenses). The wait can be from several months to more than 2 years.

Idaho Housing does not run the Housing Choice Voucher program in Ada County or the city of Pocatello. It also does not run it in Adams, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington counties. In those places you must apply directly through that county's housing authority.

Idaho Housing and Finance Association runs the Housing Choice Voucher program (rent help for qualified low-income renters). The program pays part of your rent to your landlord. It serves 34 of 44 Idaho counties. Other housing authorities run it in Ada County, the city of Pocatello, and Adams, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington counties. Apply to them there. Anywhere else, apply online or ask for a paper application. The wait can be several months to more than 2 years. Main office: 208-331-4700.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) runs a court-based rental assistance (money to help pay rent) program. It is for renters who have an eviction case in court. You can apply online at illinoishousinghelp.org. A HUD-approved housing counselor can also help you for free. Find a counselor at hud.gov/findacounselor or call 800-569-4287.

If you are in danger of eviction, other Illinois programs can help pay rent. The Department of Human Services Homeless Prevention Program pays rent, back rent, and utility (water, electric, gas) bills. The total cannot be more than 6 months of your rent.

If you cannot pay the full amount your landlord is demanding, rental assistance (money to help pay rent) may be available. The state's court-based program, CBRAP, helps renters who have an eviction case in court. You can apply online at illinoishousinghelp.org. Our guide on what to do when you cannot pay rent explains other help and how it can affect your case.

You may qualify for a program called the Home and Community-Based Services Rent Subsidy Program. It gives a monthly rent payment to people who already get certain disability support programs, such as Money Follows the Person. The program helps you keep your home until you qualify for other rent help. The Iowa Finance Authority takes applications for it at any time, but you may be placed on a waiting list before you get money.

The Iowa Finance Authority runs rental programs to help Iowans find affordable housing or get help with housing costs. These programs include loan programs and rental assistance (money to help pay rent) for renters and rental property owners across the state. Learn more at iowafinance.com, or call the agency at 515.348.6200.

Kentucky Housing Corporation's main rent help program, called Section 8, has a closed waiting list right now.

Kentucky Housing Corporation runs a program for renters who have no home or may soon lose it. It also helps people getting away from abuse at home, abuse by someone they date, or being forced into work or sex.

Each of Kentucky Housing Corporation's smaller rent help programs is for one specific group, such as veterans, families, or people with disabilities.

Clark County Social Services helps pay housing and housing-related costs. Help is once every 12 months, unless Social Services finds a barrier to employment, or you have a disability as Social Security defines it. Apply in person at one of 4 locations, by fax at 702-455-6260, or by mail to 1600 Pinto Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89106. Phone: 702-455-4270. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Clark County Social Services has a Financial Assistance program for housing and housing-related costs. A household of 1 may get up to $400 a month. Each extra household member adds up to $135 a month. For 3 people, that is up to $670. Help is once every 12 months, unless Social Services finds a barrier to employment, or you have a disability as Social Security defines it. Apply in person, by fax, or by mail. Call 702-455-4270.

Dial 211 to find rent money and help with utility (water, electric, gas) bills in Los Angeles County. The line is open day and night in many languages.

The Louisiana Housing Corporation administers programs that assist renters in getting safe, affordable housing. It also works to prevent and end homelessness by connecting people at risk of losing their home to housing and support services. Use LAHousingSearch.org, a free website, to find a rental home that fits your budget, or call 225-763-8700.

The Louisiana Housing Corporation offers rental assistance (help paying your rent) through a program called Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, or TBRA, for people with low income. It can help pay your rent, your security deposit (money held for damage or unpaid rent), and utilities (water, electric, gas). Program details can change, so check the current status before you count on this money.

You can dial 211, or text your zip code to 898-211, to reach the Louisiana 211 network. It connects people to health and human service information in their community. This service reaches all 64 parishes of the state.

211 Maine lists programs that offer rental assistance (help paying rent). You can reach 211 Maine by dialing 211.

The Homelessness Prevention Program helps Maryland families and individuals facing a housing crisis stay housed. It can give a one-time crisis grant paid to your landlord to stop an eviction. It also pays for case management and budgeting help, and can help work out an agreement between you and your landlord. You must have a lease in your name and be able to pay rent going forward. For more information, contact your local department of social services.

Maryland's Homelessness Prevention Program can give a one-time grant paid directly to your landlord to stop an eviction and keep you safely housed. The program also offers case management, counseling, budgeting help, and education about your rights as a tenant. It can also offer mediation (a neutral person who helps you and your landlord agree).

To qualify, you must have a lease in your name and be able to pay your rent going forward once you get the grant. Your local department of social services decides if this help lets you stay in your home or move to another home you can afford. This happens through payment to your landlord or another arrangement your local office makes. Contact your local department of social services to ask about this program.

Maryland offers a Renters' Tax Credit to qualified renters. It pays a direct check of up to $1,000 a year. This check goes directly to you as the renter, not to your landlord.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program that can pay part of your rent every month if you qualify. It is for families or individuals who meet the program's rules. Contact your local Public Housing Authority to ask how to apply.

Massachusetts runs a rental assistance (money to help pay rent) program called RAFT, which stands for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition. It can pay up to $7,000 in a 12-month period. You can use the money for rent, utilities (water, electric, gas), moving costs, or a mortgage payment.

You may qualify for RAFT if you are at risk of losing your home. This includes getting a notice to quit (a letter saying you must move out) or an eviction notice. It also includes a notice that your utilities (water, electric, gas) will be shut off.

You can apply for RAFT online through the state's Housing Help Hub. This is also where you check the status of an application you already submitted. The RAFT application takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

After you apply for RAFT, tell your landlord or property manager as soon as possible. Your landlord will also need to fill out their own application before you can get any money. If your landlord does not submit it within 21 days, your application times out and you will have to apply again.

RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition). This state program gives short-term emergency money if you face eviction or another housing crisis. This includes losing your utilities (such as water, electric, and gas). It can pay up to $7,000 in a 12-month period for rent, utilities, moving costs, or your mortgage. Apply online, or call 211 for help finding assistance.

Michigan's Relocation Assistance can help pay rent you owe from the past. It can also help pay a security deposit or moving costs. You may qualify only if your household is in one of the housing emergencies the program lists.

To find out if you qualify for rent help, contact your local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA). Every community has one. Your HARA can tell you what rental assistance (money to help pay rent) you may qualify for. Your HARA can also help you apply, including for the State Emergency Relief Program.

If you have a very low income, you may qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This is a federal program that helps pay rent when you find your own home or apartment from a private landlord.

Minnesota's Emergency Assistance program gives a cash grant to low income families facing an emergency. This can include eviction, foreclosure (losing your home to the bank), or having your utilities (water, electric, gas) shut off. You must meet income guidelines, and counties or Tribal Nations can add their own rules about who qualifies. Apply online at MNbenefits.mn.gov, or in person at your county or Tribal Nation human services office.

Minnesota Housing's Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program gives direct financial help and support services to Minnesota households facing a housing crisis. Contact Minnesota Housing at 651.296.7608 or 800.657.3769, or email mn.housing@state.mn.us.

Missouri's Department of Mental Health runs a rental assistance (money to help pay rent) program called RAP. RAP can pay up to 3 months of rent, including back rent. It only helps households already getting mental health or substance use services from a DMH provider, or enrolled in a DMH Housing Unit Program. RAP pays landlords, companies for utilities (water, electric, gas), or creditors directly, not the renter. RAP is closed to new requests through January 2027 because of a lack of funding. Email housing@dmh.mo.gov to ask about it.

If money problems make it hard to pay rent, the Missouri Housing Development Commission can connect you to housing assistance programs in your area. Check its renters page online to find current options where you live.

The Missouri Department of Mental Health runs Rental Assistance (money to help pay rent), a program it calls RAP. RAP can pay up to 3 months of rent, including back rent, once a year. RAP is only for households that already get mental health or substance use services from a state-contracted provider. RAP is also open to households enrolled in the department's own housing program, called a DMH Housing Unit Program. RAP is closed to new requests through January 2027 because of a lack of funding.

The Missouri Department of Mental Health runs Rental Assistance (money to help pay rent), a program it calls RAP. RAP is not taking new applications right now because of a lack of funding. Applications will stay closed through January 2027. The department plans to post new funding information on its website in February 2027.

The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau runs a Rental Assistance (money to help pay rent) Finder. You can use it to search for rental and utility (water, electric, gas) help across Missouri.

The Montana Department of Commerce runs the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which helps low-income families afford housing in the private market. Families pay about 30% of their adjusted gross monthly income for rent and utilities (water, electric, gas). For example, 30% of $2,000 a month is $600. To qualify, you must meet HUD (federal housing agency) income limits and other program rules.

The Montana Department of Commerce says the waiting lists are now open for the Housing Choice Voucher (rent help paid to your landlord). They are also open for Moderate Rehabilitation (MOD Rehab), which stays with the building. Before you apply, use the department's map to find your region.

The Montana Department of Commerce says the wait for a voucher (rent help paid to your landlord) depends on many factors. Examples are when you applied, funding, and how many people are on the list.

Montana 2-1-1 is a free, anonymous service. It is available 24 hours a day, every day. Its website asks if you need help with rent or utilities (water, electric, gas).

In Omaha, the Omaha Housing Authority has Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs. Its Housing Choice Voucher wait list is currently closed. Its Public Housing wait list is open only for one bedroom apartments in its Senior Towers, for applicants ages 62 and older. Call (402) 444-6900.

In Lincoln, the city's rental assistance (help paying rent) portal is closed. The last day to apply was June 15, 2025. The City of Lincoln page lists other agencies that give help, including Catholic Social Services (rent) and St. Vincent de Paul (rent and emergency needs).

211 Nebraska can point you to help with food, shelter, utilities (water, electric, gas), and more. Call 2-1-1, or text your ZIP code to 898211.

Nevada 211 connects renters across the state to local rent help programs. Call 211 or 1-866-535-5654 to find a rent help program near you.

In New Hampshire, a written promise to pay rent for you from the state, a county or a municipality counts as rent paid by you. Payment from an organization that gives out federal or state funds counts too. The amount in the promise counts.

For help with first month's rent, back rent, emergency rent, moving costs, and security deposits, New Hampshire Housing says to call 2-1-1 or visit 211NH.org. It says to contact your town welfare department. It says to contact your local Community Action Program (capnh.org).

New Hampshire Housing does not have emergency money for rent. It does not have money for one-time costs like security deposits or moving costs.

New Jersey's Homelessness Prevention Program can pay up to 3 months of the rent you owe. It applies if you are in danger of eviction because of a temporary money problem beyond your control.

New Jersey's DCAid tool can help you find rent help, help with utilities (such as water, electric, and gas), and other programs. These programs help you avoid losing your home. NJ 211 says to start there if you need help paying rent.

New Jersey's Homelessness Prevention Program pays up to 3 months of past due rent for renters who are about to be evicted. It helps when the renter's money problem is short term and beyond their control. Reach the state office at 609-376-0811 or OHP@dca.nj.gov.

New Mexico's housing finance agency, called MFA, funds short-term and medium-term rent help for renters who are homeless or about to lose their home. A different nonprofit runs the program in each part of the state. The Life Link runs it for Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Los Alamos and Taos counties; call (505) 438-0010. The San Juan County Partnership runs it for San Juan County; call (505) 566-5866.

Emergency Assistance from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance can pay back rent or unpaid utility (water, electric, gas) bills. It applies when your landlord has given you eviction papers or your utilities are about to be shut off. You do not need to qualify for ongoing cash assistance to get it. Apply at your county Department of Social Services, or call 1-800-342-3009.

If you have eviction papers, you may qualify for Emergency Assistance. It can pay rent you already owe. You do not need to get ongoing public assistance to get it. Contact your local department of social services as soon as you can. Outside New York City, you can also apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov. You can dial 211 to find local help. In New York City, call 311.

Apply for emergency cash right away if you may lose your home. NYC calls this a One Shot Deal. It can cover back rent after a job loss, a pay cut, or another emergency. You may have to pay some of it back later. You can apply for Emergency Assistance even if you got it before. You can apply here: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/ or visit an HRA Benefits Access Center. After you apply, HRA will interview you. For questions, call the HRA Infoline at 718-557-1399, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

If the case is about back rent you cannot pay, apply for a One Shot Deal emergency grant from NYC HRA. It can cover rent you owe so you keep your home. Apply on ACCESS HRA or call 718-557-1399. Free legal aid groups can also represent you if you qualify. Check lawhelp.org to find one near you.

Charities and nonprofits across North Carolina may be able to help pay part of your rent. How much money is available changes over time, so contact agencies in your area to ask if they can help you right now. Call 2-1-1 (or 1-888-892-1162) or go to nc211.org to find agencies near you.

If you apply for rent help, you will need to show how much rent you owe. If you are approved, the money is usually paid straight to your landlord, not to you.

Some Community Action Agencies still have rental assistance (money to help pay rent). Apply through your local Community Action Agency. The state's Office of Housing Support also funds short-term emergency housing help for Ohioans with low income. Email ohsassistance@development.ohio.gov to find your local agency.

If you are a veteran, you may qualify for financial help with rent. Contact your county's Veteran Service Office to find out what is available.

The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency runs the Housing Choice Voucher program. It helps pay rent for low-income families, people with disabilities, older adults, and people at high risk of becoming homeless. The waiting list is closed to new applicants right now. Sign up at ohfa.org to find out when it opens again.

Oregon's state housing agency does not hand out rent help directly. Call 211 or visit 211info.org, or contact your local Community Action Agency, to find rent help in your area.

Rental assistance (money to help pay your rent) still exists at the county level. Your county's Housing Assistance Program (HAP) may pay rent, security deposits, and utilities (water, electric, gas) if you are in danger of eviction. Each county runs its own HAP. Who qualifies and how much help you can get differ by county.

Philadelphia's Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) also offers Targeted Financial Assistance (TFA). TFA is a one-time payment from the city to your landlord for what you already owe. If you will keep living there at least 2 more months, it also covers 2 more months of rent. Your back rent must be $3,500 or less. Your landlord must agree to certain terms. Landlords apply through the EDP application. Tenants cannot apply to EDP.

Pittsburgh's Housing Stabilization Program gives one-time or short-term money to households facing a temporary, non-recurring housing crisis. You must rent within City of Pittsburgh boundaries. You can get up to $6,000 in total. You can apply once every 3 years. Your household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income. See the 50% column of the program's 2026 income chart.

To be screened for the Housing Stabilization Program, call Action Housing at 412-248-0021 or email rentalassistance@actionhousing.org. Calls are free and confidential. Before you apply, gather the required documents. These are proof of income, such as pay stubs, and proof of need, such as a late notice or eviction notice.

Rent help may be available through your county's Homeless Assistance Program. If you are in danger of being evicted, your county may help pay rent, security deposits, and utilities (water, electric, gas). Your county provider will work hard with your landlord to maximize your chances for staying, or help you find a more affordable apartment. Each county's income limit must fall between 100 and 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For one person in 2026, that is $15,960 to $31,920 a year. Use the state's county contact list to find help.

The Washington Attorney General lists rental assistance (money to help pay rent) programs. That office also has this notice in other languages.

SC Housing's SC Stay Plus program used to help pay rent and utility (water, electric, gas) bills. It is now closed. It will not open again. It used up all its money from the US Treasury. For help now, call 211 or visit sc211.org.

South Carolina's state rent help program, SC Stay Plus, is closed and has used up all of its money. If you need help paying rent now, contact 211 or go to sc211.org to find help available in your area.

South Dakota Housing offers programs for homelessness prevention and rental assistance (money to help pay rent). Its phone is 605-773-3181, or toll free 1-800-540-4241. Its site says program details can change without notice.

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) runs the Help for Texans search tool. It also runs the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), the state's federal program that helps pay bills for utilities (electric and gas). TDHCA does not take applications from individuals. Enter your city or county at tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans. You get a list of local agencies that handle rent help, utility bill help, or emergency and homeless services. CEAP helps low-income households pay energy bills through local agencies in all 254 counties.

Texas has no statewide rent relief program open right now. Use the state's Help for Texans search (tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans), pick a type of help, and enter your city or county to get a list of providers. Providers may be out of funds, so call more than one. You can also dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 to reach 2-1-1 Texas.

211 Virginia is a free, confidential service that connects you with resources in Virginia. Its website lets you search for help with utilities (water, electric, gas) and help with housing.

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) uses federal funds to help communities provide rental assistance (money to help pay rent). It helps adults and families with children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Help can include short-term or medium-term rental assistance. The Washington State Department of Commerce says its programs do not give help directly. To ask for help, contact your local Coordinated Entry program.

Washington runs an eviction prevention rental assistance program through the Department of Commerce. Rental assistance means money to help pay rent. The program can pay rent you owe and future rent to help you keep your home. It can also pay utility (water, electric, and gas) bills tied to eviction risk. Commerce sends this money to local organizations, so you apply through an organization in your county, not directly through the state.

Wisconsin's Emergency Assistance (EA) program can pay a family's first month's rent or security deposit after an emergency such as homelessness or impending homelessness. To qualify, you must be a parent or relative caring for a child under 18, with income and assets under the program's limits. Apply online through ACCESS, or call the Wisconsin Works line at 855-757-4539. You can get EA once every 12 months, then must reapply.

Wisconsin's Emergency Assistance program gives cash help if you have no home or may soon lose it. It can also help with a fire, domestic violence, or a problem paying for heat or electricity.

To qualify for this help, you must be a parent or a relative caring for a child younger than 18. Your income must be at or below the program's income limit. You must also have limited savings or other things of value.

If Wisconsin approves your Emergency Assistance application, the most you can get is $1,200 for a group of 2 to 5 people. For a group of 6 or more, it is $220 per person. For example, a group of 6 could get up to $1,320 (6 times $220 equals $1,320). You can get this help once every 12 months. After that, you must apply again.

You can apply for Emergency Assistance online through the state's ACCESS website. You can also apply in person. Find your local W-2 agency's contact information on the state's website.