Phone: (814) 923-5512 Email: rent@eccm.org
Current hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, except Holidays.
The Erie County Emergency Rental Assistance Program administered through ECCM provides rental and utility assistance to eligible Erie County tenants impacted by COVID-19. Both tenants and their landlords are encouraged to apply – either party can start the application. Eligibility is determined based upon the tenant being eligible for the program. Landlords are able to apply and invite multiple tenants to participate in the program at one time. Landlords, please utilize only one application to invite multiple tenants – do NOT fill out individual applications for each tenant. Landlords must submit a W-9 and if there are rental arrears, a ledger/statement documenting what is owed. Please understand that while landlords can apply, an application cannot be completed without tenant participation.
Emergency Rental Assistance Eligibility
Tenants will be required to provide documentation of eligibility as outlined below. Further details, terms, and conditions are contained in the online application below. Please do not create multiple applications as it will slow the review process.
A grantee may only use funds provided in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide financial assistance and housing stability services to eligible households. To be eligible, a household must be obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling and the grantee must determine that:
- One or more individuals within the household have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due — directly or indirectly — to the COVID-19 outbreak;
- One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- The household has a household income at or below 80% of area median income.
80 % of Area Median Income Chart for Erie County |
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Household Size |
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|
1 Person |
2 Person |
3 Person |
4 Person |
5 Person |
6 Person |
7 Person |
8 Person |
|
$40,050 |
$45,800 |
$51,500 |
$57,200 |
$61,800 |
$66,400 |
$70,950 |
$75,550 |
Priority is given to those households below 50% of the Area Median Income, those receiving unemployment for greater than 90 days, and/or those presented with an eviction notice. Prioritization is by the AMI in application and case managers further prioritize by eviction status.
Items required to determine eligibility
- COPY OF PHOTO IDENTIFICATION (TENANT, LANDLORD AND HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS OVER 18)
Provide photo identification i.e., Driver’s license
- PROOF OF COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT (TENANT ONLY)
Submit documentation confirming negative impact:
a) A copy of family/household member(s) notification of job loss/termination during the period of March 2020 to present.
b) A copy of family/household member(s) notification of furlough from employer during the same period of time to present.
c) A copy of family/household member(s) notification or employer signed form confirming.
reduction in hours and/or pay during the same period of time. The Request for Verification of Income form may be used.
d) A copy of family/household member(s) application during the same period for Unemployment Insurance benefits
Other appropriate documentation may be acceptable.
- COPY OF INCOME VERIFICATION DOCUMENTATION (TENANT ONLY)
For each adult in the family/household 18 years of age or older, submit the supporting documentation appropriate for each type of income indicated.
- PROOF OF TENANCY (TENANTS AND LANDLORD)
Current residential lease/rental agreement AND a statement from the landlord or property owner indicating the month(s) and amount
- UTILITY BILLS(S) – IF APPLICABLE (TENANT ONLY)
Provide copies of current monthly bill/statement indicating the amount past due.
- W-9 FORM (LANDLORD ONLY)
7. PROOF OF OWNERSHIP (LANDLORD)
Mortgage Statement or Tax Bill
Form to be completed by landlord or property owner.
For additional questions about emergency rental assistance or to schedule an appointment, please call (814) 923-5512 or email rent@eccm.org.