Beginning today, Lake County renters who faced financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for the Lake County Rental Assistance (LCRA) Program, which provides financial assistance to individuals to help pay rent. The application period will run from March 13 - April 14, 2023.
Lake County is working with community partners to assist keeping families in their homes as we continue to work together and move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households may receive up to six months of assistance with rent. This can include up to one month of future rent. Households that have received more than six months of total assistance from programs like the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance (FERA) Program and LCRA Program will not be eligible.
"Lake County 211 receives more calls from residents about needing help with rent payment assistance than any other service needs," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "This program, which is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, continues to help our residents pay their rent and enable them to stay in their homes."
To qualify for help, residents must:
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Pay rent in Lake County, Illinois
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Have a financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic
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Be at risk of homelessness or housing instability
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Be at least one month in arrears (behind in your rent)
- Meet income guidelines based on household size
- Have not received six or more months of assistance from past programs such as the FERA and LCRA Programs
- Provide appropriate documentation
Examples of financial hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic include job loss or furlough, and unexpected medical or other expenses.
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.
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