Emergency Rental Assistance Program: What Ended and Where to Get Rent Help Now

The emergency rental assistance program today

Treasury ran ERA in two rounds. Both have now closed to renters. According to Treasury’s ERA page, the ERA2 period of performance has ended, and grantees may no longer use ERA2 funds for rent, utilities, housing stability services, or eviction prevention. Grantees filed final reports in early 2026, and Treasury is now handling closeout.

Some state and local programs that used ERA money kept going with their own funds, sometimes under the same name. So if you see a local “emergency rental assistance” program that is open, it is likely funded by your state, city, or county now, with its own rules. Check that it is run by a government agency or known nonprofit before you apply.

What the Treasury program paid for

ERA helped renters with past-due rent, future rent for a few months, utilities and home energy costs, and some moving costs. It also paid for housing stability services, such as case management and legal help with evictions. Most programs paid landlords and utility companies directly. Knowing this helps when you look for help now, because many of today’s local programs work the same way: they pay the landlord, and they ask for proof of what you owe.

Rent help that is still available

The CFPB’s renter help page says state, tribal, and local groups distribute rental help and suggests searching for your city or county, asking local offices and libraries, and calling 211. Here is how the main options compare.

For a state-by-state list, see our guide to rent relief programs.

State and local rent relief programs

USA.gov advises renters to contact their state to find emergency help paying rent, since each state sets its own rules. Look for programs run by your state housing finance agency, your city’s housing department, or your county’s human services office. Many open in rounds and close when money runs out, so check back often and sign up for alerts if offered.

When you search, try phrases like “rental assistance” plus your city or county name, and look for websites ending in .gov. Your local library, city council office, or a legal aid office often knows which programs are open right now.

Homelessness prevention through ESG

HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grants program continues after ERA. Under 24 CFR Part 576, ESG homelessness prevention can pay short- or medium-term rental assistance and housing stabilization services to keep a household from entering a shelter. To qualify, a household generally must be at risk of homelessness and have annual income below 30% of the area median. Funds are limited and run through local agencies, so ask 211 which agency handles ESG prevention in your area.

Charities that help with rent

Charities often fill gaps when government money is gone. The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities run local offices that may help with one month of rent or a utility bill when funds allow. Help varies a great deal from place to place. Many ask for a shutoff or eviction notice, proof of income, and your lease, and they may pay part of the bill if you can cover the rest. Our guide to Catholic Charities rent assistance explains what to expect. Local churches, mutual aid groups, and community foundations sometimes help too, and 211 can point you to them. You can call 211 or search 211.org.

Eviction diversion and legal aid

If you have an eviction notice, act right away. In most states, a landlord must go through court to evict you. Do not ignore court papers, and go to every hearing.

• Legal aid: free lawyers for people with low income. Find a local office through the Legal Services Corporation.
• Eviction diversion: many courts offer mediation that can lead to a payment plan instead of an eviction, and some connect tenants with rent help.
• Tenant rights: USA.gov has a summary of tenant rights and links to state information.

See our guide to emergency rental assistance for eviction for more on the court process.

What if I was approved but never paid?

Because ERA2 funds can no longer be used for renter help, an old approval that was never paid is unlikely to be paid now. Contact the agency that approved you and ask in writing about the status. If they no longer have funds, ask whether a state or local program replaced it, and whether they can refer you to ESG prevention or a charity.

Help with utility bills alongside rent

Paying the power or gas bill can free up money for rent. The CFPB points renters to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline at (866) 674-6327. Ask your utility about payment plans and low-income discounts too. Applying for SNAP can also help, because utility and rent costs can raise your food benefits.

Longer-term help with housing costs

Emergency help covers a crisis, not ongoing rent. If rent is more than you can afford month to month, apply for longer-term help. Your public housing agency runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. Waiting lists are often long, so get on them early. A HUD-approved housing counselor at 800-569-4287 can help you build a budget and look at options.

If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits in your state right away. Benefits can help cover rent while you look for work.

Spotting rental assistance scams

• Official programs never charge a fee to apply.
• Be wary of anyone who promises approval or asks for gift cards or app payments.
• Check that websites end in .gov or belong to a known nonprofit.
• Do not share your Social Security number with anyone who contacts you first.

What documents do I need to apply?

Expect to show photo ID, Social Security numbers for the people applying, proof of income for the last 30 days, and proof of where you live, plus any paper that shows the emergency itself. Our document checklist explains what counts for each item and what to do if something is missing. If you don't have everything yet, apply anyway and ask the office how long you have to bring the rest.

What to do this week

1. Dial 211 and ask what rental help is open in your area right now.
2. Search your state, city, and county websites for rental assistance.
3. Ask about ESG homelessness prevention if you are at risk of losing your home.
4. Contact Salvation Army or Catholic Charities for one-time help.
5. Call legal aid if you have an eviction notice or court papers.
6. Talk to your landlord about a payment plan while you wait.

Related guides

• 211 rent assistance
• Homeless prevention rental assistance
• First month rent and deposit help
• Emergency rent assistance near me

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rent programs open and close often, and rules vary by state and city. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not a government agency.