What Is the Status of the Georgia Rent Relief Program?

If you are looking for the Georgia rent relief program, it is critical to know that the primary statewide program, known as the Georgia Rental Assistance (GRA) Program, is no longer accepting new applications. Federal funding for this COVID-19 era relief has been exhausted.

However, this does not mean that help is unavailable. Limited eviction prevention services still exist, and a network of county-level and non-profit organizations across Georgia continues to offer emergency rental assistance, utility payment support, and other housing stability services. We will provide a clear breakdown of the current situation and a detailed list of active resources you can contact for help today.

The Current State of Statewide Rent Relief in Georgia

For residents facing financial hardship, understanding the status of large-scale government assistance is the first and most critical step. The primary program established to provide this support on a statewide basis was the Georgia Rental Assistance (GRA) Program, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The current operational status of this program directly impacts the options available to tenants in need.

The Georgia Rental Assistance (GRA) Program is Closed to New Applicants

The most crucial piece of information for anyone seeking aid is that the statewide Georgia Rental Assistance (GRA) program portal is closed to new applications. This closure went into effect on October 28, 2022.

The program was not terminated due to ineffectiveness but rather due to its success in distributing the allocated funds. The GRA program was established as a temporary emergency measure funded by the federal government to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal Funding and Program Impact

The program's funding was sourced from two major federal legislative acts: the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (ERA1) and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ERA2). Together, these acts funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into Georgia for housing stability.

By the time the application portal closed, the GRA program had expended or committed approximately 85 percent of its funding, totaling more than $830 million. This massive effort successfully provided financial assistance to keep over 48,594 tenants safely housed and helped make more than 8,134 landlords whole across all 159 counties in the state.

The closure was a direct result of the program's expectation that the pipeline of pending applications would fully exhaust all remaining federal funds. The end of such a widely publicized program has created a significant information gap, leading to frustration for families already under stress who encounter outdated information.

What if You Already Applied?

For individuals who submitted an application before the October 28, 2022, deadline, the process is not over. Here is what you need to know:

• Application Processing: The Georgia Department of Community Affairs will continue to review and process all completed applications that were pending as of that date. Applications are handled in the order they were received or according to U.S. Treasury prioritization guidelines.
• Check Your Status: Applicants can check the status of a pending application by accessing the official portal at https://paymyrent.ga.gov/login. It is important to monitor portal messages for any updates or requests for additional information.
• Landlord and Recertification Requests: Landlords can still complete their portion of the process for a pending tenant application. Similarly, any recertification request that was pending in the portal as of the deadline will be processed.

The Eviction Prevention Initiative: A Limited Path for Rent Help

While the main GRA portal is closed to the general public, a very specific and limited form of assistance continues through a partnership focused on tenants facing immediate eviction. This program, known as the Eviction Prevention Initiative (EPI), represents a shift from broad financial aid to a targeted, crisis-driven legal intervention.

What is the Eviction Prevention Initiative (EPI)?

The Eviction Prevention Initiative is the sole remaining channel through which Georgia Rental Assistance funds are disbursed. It is a collaborative effort between the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Atlanta Legal Aid, and the Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP). These legal organizations act as the gatekeepers for the remaining funds, using them to assist their clients at immediate risk of eviction.

It is critical to understand that this initiative is also temporary and is scheduled to end on September 30, 2025, in alignment with U.S. Department of Treasury guidelines. Funding is extremely limited, and the legal aid partners can only assist a small fraction of those in need. This transition leaves many tenants—those behind on rent but not yet facing a formal eviction notice—without a statewide resource.

Who is Eligible for the EPI?

Eligibility for the Eviction Prevention Initiative is highly restrictive. An applicant cannot simply fill out a form; they must meet a stringent set of criteria, with the first and most important being the involvement of a legal aid organization.

To be considered for assistance through the EPI, a household must:

1. Have an existing client relationship with and be referred by either Atlanta Legal Aid or the Georgia Legal Services Program. This is the non-negotiable entry point.
2. Be facing a clear and present threat of homelessness or housing instability, such as a pending eviction case.
3. Meet all of the original Georgia Rental Assistance program criteria.

The original GRA criteria include being a renter in Georgia, having experienced a pandemic-related financial hardship, and possessing a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Understanding Eligibility Constraints

This system creates a significant bottleneck. The number of people who can be helped is limited not only by the remaining funds but also by the intake capacity and case management resources of the legal aid partners. These organizations are not designed to be high-volume financial aid administrators and must prioritize the most critical cases.

How to Seek Help Through the EPI

Since the only way to access EPI funds is through a legal aid referral, you must contact the appropriate organization for your county to see if you qualify for their legal services.

• For Residents of Metro Atlanta (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties):
• Contact Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. They provide free civil legal services to low-income people in the metro area.
• Apply for their services online at atlantalegalaid.org/apply or by calling the office that serves your county:
• For Residents of All Other 154 Counties in Georgia:
• Contact the Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP). GLSP provides free legal services to low-income Georgians outside the metro Atlanta area.
• To apply for rental assistance through the GLSP-partnered Eviction Prevention Initiative, call the dedicated intake number: 1-844-779-3278.
• Intake hours for this specific program are Monday and Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, excluding holidays. Due to high call volume, intake may close early.

County-Specific Emergency Rental Assistance Programs and Resources

The federal government also provided direct funding to twelve of Georgia's most populous local jurisdictions to administer their own, separate rent relief programs.

Why Local Programs Matter

This dual-track funding system meant residents in major metropolitan areas had two potential sources of aid for a time. However, just like the state program, these local initiatives were temporary and subject to the depletion of their funds.

The status of these programs now varies widely. This has created a "lottery of geography," where a resident's access to government-funded emergency housing aid is now largely determined by their zip code. Understanding the status of one's own local program is essential.

Status of Major County Rental Assistance Programs

The structure of these local programs reveals an important trend: the rise of non-profits as key partners. Many county governments sub-granted federal funds to established community organizations that already had systems in place to manage the aid effectively. As a result, groups like Sweetwater Mission and MUST Ministries became indispensable resources for residents in those areas.

Statewide Non-Profit and Community-Based Housing Assistance

With the closure of most large-scale government programs, Georgia's non-profit organizations have become the primary safety net. The demand that once flooded government websites is now directed toward these community-based groups, making them the most viable, albeit often heavily strained, option for assistance.

BCM Georgia

BCM Georgia (formerly Buckhead Christian Ministry) focuses on preventing homelessness by keeping low-income working families in their homes. Their approach combines emergency financial support with long-term financial education to promote stability.

• Emergency Rental Assistance: Provides financial support to Metro Atlanta families in a temporary crisis to prevent eviction.
• Foundation 3™: An intensive program for families nearing homelessness, providing 12 months of rent and utility assistance with case management.
• Budget for Life™: A 12-month virtual financial education program to help families build long-term financial stability.

The Salvation Army of Georgia

The Salvation Army has a strong presence in Georgia, offering a wide range of social services, including emergency rent and utility assistance. Their programs are designed to help families and individuals struggling to pay basic bills and maintain housing stability, from those who have lost a job to seniors on a fixed income.

St. Vincent de Paul Georgia (SVdP)

St. Vincent de Paul Georgia works to increase housing stability through eviction prevention, rehousing, and transitional housing programs. Their services are vital in a state where, according to their data, over half a million renters are not caught up on rent.

• Central Assistance Line: To find help, individuals can call 678-892-6163. You will be asked to enter your zip code and will be directed to the local volunteer-run chapter serving your area.
• Motel 2 Home Program: This program helps individuals and families move from extended-stay motels into stable, permanent housing.

Family Promise

Family Promise is a national organization with local affiliates across Georgia dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness for families with children. Their community-based model leverages partnerships to provide a comprehensive support system.

• Services often include rental assistance, security deposits, utility support, and landlord mediation.
• Local affiliates include Family Promise of Gwinnett County , Family Promise of North Fulton/DeKalb , and   Family Promise of Athens.

Long-Term Housing Support and Universal Resources

When facing a housing crisis, it is important to understand the different types of assistance available and where to turn for reliable information. The landscape of aid can be confusing, but certain resources provide a clear path forward.

Emergency Relief vs. Long-Term Subsidy: The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

It is essential to distinguish between emergency rental assistance and long-term rental subsidies like the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, or Section 8.

• Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA): These programs provide large, short-term payments to cover rent for a limited time to prevent immediate eviction.
• Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/Section 8): This is a long-term federal program that provides an ongoing subsidy to very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford housing in the private market.

The HCV program is not a source of immediate emergency funds. Waiting lists for vouchers are often thousands of families long and are frequently closed to new applicants for years at a time.

Your Most Reliable First Call: United Way 2-1-1

For any Georgian seeking assistance, the single most effective starting point is United Way's 2-1-1 service.

• What It Is: 2-1-1 is a free, confidential information and referral hotline and website that connects people to essential health and human services 24/7.
• Why It Is Crucial: Funding at local non-profits changes constantly. The 2-1-1 service maintains the most current database of which local agencies have available funding for rent, utilities, food, and other needs at any given time. Calling 2-1-1 saves time and energy.

If You Have Received an Eviction Notice

Receiving a formal eviction notice is a legal emergency that requires immediate action. If you are in this situation, take the following steps:

1. Do Not Ignore It. An eviction warrant is a legal document filed in court. You typically have seven days to file a legal answer. Failing to do so can result in a default judgment against you.
2. Contact Legal Aid Immediately. Organizations like Atlanta Legal Aid and the Georgia Legal Services Program are the primary resources for free legal help in eviction cases. They can help you understand your rights and file an answer in court.
3. Communicate with Your Landlord. Even after an eviction has been filed, it may be possible to work out a repayment plan. The legal process can be costly for landlords, and many may prefer to receive payment.
4. Contact a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds housing counseling agencies that provide free, expert advice on eviction prevention. The national hotline to find a local counselor is 800-569-4287.

Frequently Asked Questions