Connecticut Rent Relief Program: Financial Aid and Eviction Help

For residents facing financial hardship, the Connecticut rent relief program landscape can seem complex. A variety of financial aid, eviction help, and housing support options are available. If you're struggling to pay rent or have received an eviction notice, it's crucial to know that resources exist to help you maintain housing stability.

This resource provides a clear and current overview of the state's primary rental assistance programs. It covers emergency funds for tenants in crisis and details the legal protections available to you.

The Current Landscape: What Rental Assistance is Available Now?

Understanding the structure of housing aid in Connecticut is the first step toward getting help. There is no single, continuously open "rent relief program." Instead, assistance is delivered through a collection of state, federal, and local initiatives, each with specific purposes, eligibility rules, and funding cycles. These programs generally fall into two categories: long-term subsidies and short-term emergency funds.

A significant aspect of Connecticut's system is that its most powerful emergency resources, such as the Eviction Prevention Fund and the Right to Counsel program, are primarily reactive. They are designed to intervene only after a tenant's housing crisis has escalated to a formal legal proceeding, specifically after a landlord has filed an eviction lawsuit in court.

This structure means that tenants often cannot access critical financial and legal help until they have received a court-issued Summons and Complaint. In contrast, long-term, preventative programs are often inaccessible due to extremely high demand and limited funding, resulting in long or closed waiting lists. This reality underscores the importance of knowing which program to access based on the specific stage of your housing challenge.

Long-Term Support: The Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is Connecticut's primary state-funded initiative for helping very-low-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities afford safe and sanitary housing in the private market. It is modeled after the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and aims to provide long-term housing stability rather than short-term emergency relief.

How RAP Works

Under the RAP program, participants receive a voucher and are free to find their own rental housing, which can include apartments, townhouses, or single-family homes. This allows families to choose a location and unit that best suits their needs, including their current residence, provided it meets the program's quality and safety standards. These standards are based on the federal Housing Quality Standards (HQS).

Once a participant finds a suitable unit and the landlord agrees to participate, the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) inspects the property. The housing subsidy is then paid directly to the landlord by the state's administrative agent on behalf of the family. The family is responsible for paying the difference; typically, a family pays 40% of its monthly income toward rent and utilities, while elderly and disabled families pay 30%.

Eligibility for RAP

Eligibility for a RAP certificate is determined based on household income and family composition.  

• Income Limits: A household's annual gross income generally may not exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the county where the family chooses to live. These income limits are published by HUD and vary by location.
• Citizenship: Participation is limited to U.S. citizens and specific categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.

The local PHA verifies all information on family income, assets, and composition during the application process to determine both eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.

The Reality of the Waitlist

While RAP is a powerful tool for housing stability, the demand for assistance far exceeds the limited funds available. This chronic underfunding has created a significant gap between the need for affordable housing and the available long-term solutions.

As a result, the waiting list for RAP is almost always closed to new applicants. The Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) only re-opens the list when most people currently on it have been served. Due to high demand, the waitlist has only opened to accept new applications twice in the last 17 years.

This scarcity forces many families who would otherwise qualify for stable, long-term assistance into precarious housing situations. This dynamic directly contributes to the high demand for the state's emergency, reactive programs. When the DOH is ready to re-open the waiting list, a public notice and pre-application form will be placed in local newspapers and on the DOH website.

Actionable Step: Given the rarity of the waitlist opening, the most critical proactive step a resident can take is to register for automatic email notifications. This ensures you will be alerted immediately when an opportunity to apply arises.

• To sign up for notifications, visit the Connecticut Housing Choice Voucher Program website at: http://www.cthcvp.org/.

Immediate Crisis Help: The Eviction Prevention Fund (EPF)

For tenants in an immediate housing crisis who have entered the formal eviction process, the Eviction Prevention Fund (EPF) is the most critical resource available. This program is specifically designed as a last-resort intervention to stop a pending eviction and is administered through the state's Unite CT initiative.

Who the Eviction Prevention Fund is For

The EPF is not a general rent relief fund. Its eligibility is narrowly targeted to a specific point in the eviction process. A tenant is only eligible for the EPF if their landlord has already filed an eviction lawsuit against them in court.

• Key Requirement: The applicant must have a pending eviction as evidenced by the filing of a Summons and Complaint that can be looked up on the Superior Court Case website.
• A "Notice to Quit" from a landlord is not sufficient to qualify. The case must be active in the court system.

What the EPF Provides and Key Eligibility Rules

The EPF provides a one-time rental assistance payment made directly to the landlord to cover rental arrears and resolve the court case.

• Assistance Amount: The program provides eligible households with up to $5,000 in a one-time payment. Any previous rental assistance received through the broader Unite CT program may count toward the total assistance cap for a household.
• Income Limit: The household's annual gross income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
• Residency: The tenant must currently live at the address listed on the Summons and Complaint.
• Proof: The tenant must provide evidence of nonpayment of rent.
• Exclusions: Tenants who are subleasing are not eligible for the program.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for the EPF is a case-managed process designed to ensure a formal, legal resolution to the eviction. This structure provides a layer of support for the tenant and a guaranteed resolution for the landlord and the court system.

1. Initiate Contact by Phone: The process must be started by calling the Unite CT Call Center. Tenants may not complete an application on their own without assistance from a Resource Center staff member. The number is   1-844-864-8328.
2. Eligibility Screening and Appointment: The Call Center representative will screen the tenant for basic eligibility and, if qualified, schedule an appointment at a Unite CT Resource Center. The appointment may be in-person or over the phone.
3. Work with a Case Worker: The tenant will work directly with a designated Case Worker to complete the application. The tenant must provide required documents, including a government-issued ID and proof of household income for the last four consecutive weeks for every adult in the household.
4. Application Review and Pre-Qualification: An auditor reviews the submitted application. If the household is deemed eligible, the tenant will be emailed a Pre-Qualification Eligibility Letter. This letter is an important document that can be shared with the tenant's attorney or used in court mediation.
5. Required Mediation: The tenant and landlord must attend a mediation appointment to negotiate a "stipulated agreement." This legal document outlines how the EPF funds will be used to resolve the eviction case. Landlords do not fill out an online application; their participation is centered on this mediation and providing a signed W-9 form.
6. Finalization and Payment: Once the auditor receives the signed stipulated agreement and the landlord's W-9, the case is finalized. Payment is then processed and sent directly to the landlord. 

What if the Landlord Refuses to Participate?

If a landlord is unwilling to participate in the EPF process, the tenant is not left without options. In this situation, the tenant will be referred to the Unite CT Moving Assistance Program. This program can provide a security deposit to help the tenant secure new housing, resolving the eviction through relocation.

Help with Moving: The Unite CT Moving Assistance Program

For many tenants, the single largest barrier to securing new housing is the upfront cost of a security deposit. The Unite CT Moving Assistance Program is a targeted, one-time-only program designed to overcome this specific hurdle for several distinct populations of vulnerable renters.

What the Moving Assistance Program Provides

The program offers financial assistance for a security deposit, providing up to $1,500 paid directly to a new landlord. A critical rule of the program is that it does not issue reimbursements. A tenant is ineligible if they have already paid for their security deposit out of pocket.

Who is Eligible for Moving Assistance?

The program is not open to the general public; it serves four specific groups of tenants who are in a state of housing transition or crisis.

1. Recently Evicted Tenants: This includes tenants who have a final court-ordered stipulation with a move-out date, a judgment for possession, or an execution issued against them.
2. Tenants with a Housing Voucher: Individuals or families who hold a state or federal rental subsidy (such as Section 8 or RAP) are eligible. They must have found a new unit that has already passed the required inspection.
3. Tenants Experiencing Homelessness: To access the program, tenants who are homeless must first call 2-1-1. They will be connected to their regional Coordinated Access Network (CAN) and referred to a local service provider (HUB) for the necessary referral.
4. Low-Income Households: Tenants whose household income is at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are also eligible to apply for security deposit assistance.

The Application Process for Moving Assistance

The application process is structured to ensure that funds are committed to a viable new housing situation.

1. Find a New Landlord First: Before applying, a tenant must find a new landlord willing to participate and have a signed lease for the new unit. The lease must be for a term of at least six months.
2. Call to Schedule an Appointment: Once a landlord and lease are secured, the tenant can call the Unite CT Call Center at 1-844-864-8328 to schedule an appointment.
3. Provide Required Documents: Both the tenant and the new landlord must provide documentation.
   • Tenant Documents: Government-issued photo ID, income documentation, and proof of eligibility based on one of the four categories (e.g., court order, HAP contract, or HUB referral).
   • Landlord Documents: Government-issued photo ID or business license, the signed lease, and a signed W-9 form.

The Universal Starting Point: Calling 2-1-1 for Housing Help

For any Connecticut resident who is homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless, the most important first step is to call 2-1-1. This free, confidential, 24/7 service is the official front door to the state's emergency housing and homelessness response system.

Calling 2-1-1 is more than just getting a list of phone numbers; it is the formal entry point for a standardized assessment and prioritization process. This ensures that limited housing resources are directed to those with the most critical needs.

What Happens When You Call 2-1-1 for a Housing Crisis?

1. Contact a Housing Specialist: When you call, dial 2-1-1 and then press Option 3 to be connected with a trained 211 Housing Crisis Specialist.
2. Initial Assessment and Diversion: The specialist will conduct an initial assessment. Their first goal is "diversion," which means they will try to identify immediate solutions that could prevent you from entering an emergency shelter.
3. Referral to a Coordinated Access Network (CAN): If immediate diversion is not possible, the specialist will offer you an appointment for a full assessment with your region's Coordinated Access Network (CAN).

Understanding Coordinated Access Networks (CAN)

The CAN is the statewide system that Connecticut uses to manage its homelessness response. It is a network of community providers that work together to assess individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis, prioritize them based on vulnerability, and refer them to available housing resources.

Completing a CAN assessment is the necessary step to be placed on the prioritized waiting list for most of the state's emergency shelters and other housing programs. For anyone on the verge of losing their housing, calling 2-1-1 to begin the CAN process is the correct and essential first action.

Your Legal Rights: Free Lawyers and the Connecticut Eviction Process

Securing financial aid is only one part of navigating a housing crisis. Understanding your legal rights as a tenant and accessing legal representation can dramatically change the outcome of an eviction case.

Connecticut's Right to Counsel (RTC) Program

The State of Connecticut established a Right to Counsel (RTC) program to address the imbalance in legal representation between landlords and tenants. Before this program, only 7% of tenants in eviction proceedings had a lawyer. Research shows that a Connecticut renter facing eviction is 49% less likely to be forced to leave their home if they have legal representation.

The RTC program provides free, experienced lawyers to income-eligible tenants who are facing eviction or the loss of their housing subsidy.

• How to Access RTC: To find out if you qualify for a free lawyer, you should immediately contact the program through its central intake system.
• Phone: Call 1-800-559-1565.
• Website: Visit http://www.EvictionHelpCT.org.
• Eligibility: Qualification depends on factors like household income and the location of your rental unit. Even if full representation is not available in your area, you may still be able to receive legal advice by calling the hotline.

Understanding the Eviction Process in Connecticut

The eviction process, legally known as a "summary process" action, is a formal lawsuit with specific steps and timelines. Knowing these steps can reduce fear and help you take action.

1. The Notice to Quit: The process begins when the landlord serves the tenant with a "Notice to Quit." This legal document terminates the tenancy and states the reason. It will give the tenant a deadline to move, typically three full days. This is NOT a court order to leave.
2. The Summons and Complaint: If the tenant does not move out, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit. The tenant will then be served with official court papers called a "Summons and Complaint." Receiving these documents is the critical trigger that makes a tenant eligible for the Eviction Prevention Fund and the Right to Counsel program.
3. Filing an Appearance and Answer: The tenant has a very short deadline (as little as two business days) to file an "Appearance" form with the court, notifying the court they will participate. The tenant should also file an "Answer" explaining their side of the story. Free online tools like the   CT Eviction Guide's Form Filler can help.
4. Mediation and Court Hearing: Many cases are referred to a housing mediator to try and reach a settlement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a trial.
5. Judgment and Stay of Execution: If the landlord wins, the judge issues a "judgment for possession." The tenant is not required to move immediately. Connecticut law provides an automatic five-day "stay of execution," giving the tenant five additional days.
6. The Execution and Removal: If the tenant has not moved after the five-day stay, the landlord can request an "execution." This is the final court order authorizing a state marshal to physically remove the tenant. 

It is illegal for a landlord to attempt a "self-help" eviction, such as changing the locks or shutting off utilities, without a court order carried out by a state marshal.

Key Contacts for Housing and Legal Help

Help with Utility Bills

A housing crisis is often accompanied by difficulty paying for essential utilities. Connecticut offers several programs to help residents manage these costs and avoid shut-offs.

Core Assistance Programs

• Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): This is the state's primary program for helping low- and moderate-income households afford winter heating bills. It provides direct payments to utility companies. Applications must be submitted each year through a local Community Action Agency (CAA).
• Operation Fuel: This statewide non-profit provides year-round emergency energy assistance to households in financial crisis. The program offers one-time grants of up to $500 to help pay for energy sources. Applications are made through a network of local fuel banks.

Utility Company Protections and Programs

Connecticut's utility companies are required to offer specific protections and assistance programs to their customers. For example, Eversource offers several key programs:

• Winter Protection Program: This protects eligible households from having their electricity or gas shut off between November 1 and May 1.
• Medical Protection: If a household member has a serious medical condition, the household may be protected from utility shut-offs year-round.
• Matching Payment Program (MPP): For customers with financial hardship, this program can arrange an affordable monthly budget payment and match customer payments to reduce past-due balances.
• New Start Program: This program can help forgive past-due amounts on an electric bill if a customer makes on-time monthly payments on a set budget amount.

How to Get Help with Utilities

Navigating the various utility assistance programs can be confusing. The most effective first step is to contact a central resource that can screen for all available aid.

• Call 2-1-1: Dialing 2-1-1 is the best starting point. Specialists can provide information on all programs and direct you to your local Community Action Agency to apply.
• Contact Your Utility Company Directly: Do not ignore a shut-off notice. Call your utility company immediately to ask about payment arrangements and to see if you qualify for any of their specific assistance programs.

Conclusion: Your Path to Housing Stability

Navigating rental assistance in Connecticut requires understanding which resource to turn to at each stage of a housing challenge. While the system can be complex, a clear, strategic path exists for nearly every situation. The key is to take prompt, informed action.

To summarize the most effective pathways:

• If you are at immediate risk of homelessness: Your first and most important call is to 2-1-1. This connects you to the state's official Coordinated Access Network for an assessment for emergency shelter and housing resources.
• If you have received a court Summons and Complaint for eviction: You are in a legal crisis, but this is also the point at which the most powerful emergency resources become available. Immediately make two calls:
  • Call the Right to Counsel hotline at 1-800-559-1565 to see if you qualify for a free lawyer.
  • Call the Eviction Prevention Fund call center at 1-844-864-8328 to begin the application process for financial aid.
• If you are struggling to afford rent but are not yet in the court system: Be proactive. Call 2-1-1 to learn about any local, short-term financial assistance programs. Critically, visit cthcvp.org to register for email notifications for when the long-term Rental Assistance Program (RAP) waitlist reopens.

Facing housing instability is incredibly stressful, but you do not have to navigate it alone. By understanding these pathways, persistently contacting the correct agencies, and asserting your legal rights, you can access the support available to help you and your family achieve and maintain housing stability.

Frequently Asked Questions