Beginning today, Lake County renters who face financial hardship related to COVID-19 may apply for the new Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (FERA) Program, which provides help for individuals paying rent and/or utility bills.
Lake County is working with 15 community partners to help keep families in their homes as together we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of past due rent and up to three months of assistance with future rent, but no more than 12 months of assistance total. Payments from the program will be made directly to landlords and/or utility companies.
"So many of our residents have been hard-hit by the financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "Lake County is committed to doing all we can to aid in recovery. We are pleased to be administering this $20.6 million program funded by the federal government to help our residents pay their rent and utility bills and enable them to stay in their homes."
To qualify for help, residents must:
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Pay rent in Lake County
- Have a COVID-related financial hardship
- Be at risk of homelessness or housing instability
- Meet income guidelines based on household size
- Provide appropriate documentation
Examples of COVID-related financial hardship include job loss or furlough, reduced hours and income in order to care for a child, significant costs due to COVID-19 such as medical bills, and other circumstances.
Examples of what counts as being at risk of homelessness or housing instability include having a past due rent or utility bill, receiving an eviction notice, having had to move in temporarily with another household because you couldn't afford your rent, spending a high proportion of your income on housing costs and more.
To learn more about who is eligible, and for a link to the application, visit lakecountyil.gov/renthelp.
If you have questions or need help filling out the application, including questions about what documents you need, please call 211 from anywhere in Lake County or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to someone who can help.
