Rent Relief Programs in 2026: What Replaced Emergency Rental Assistance and Where to Apply Now

Which rent relief programs exist now?

The U.S. Treasury confirms the Emergency Rental Assistance program has ended, so websites still advertising ERA applications for a fee are not real.

How homelessness prevention helps with rent

HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grants fund homelessness prevention, which can pay back rent, current rent, utility arrears, and deposits for households with income below 30% of area median income who would otherwise become homeless. Local agencies decide who gets help, often asking for proof that you will lose housing without it, such as a notice to vacate. Many cities and states add their own prevention funds with higher income limits.

City, county, and state programs

Many large cities and counties fund eviction prevention and rent help with local or state money, often opening in short windows. Some states run their own rent programs or use state funds for emergency assistance. Check your city and county housing department websites and ask 211 what is open right now. See our state guides, such as Texas rental assistance and Kentucky rent relief.

Rent help for families with children

Many states use TANF to provide one-time emergency assistance or diversion payments to families with children facing eviction, sometimes once a year. Ask your state benefits office specifically about “emergency assistance” or “diversion.” Families can also apply for SNAP to free up money for rent; estimate it with our SNAP calculator.

Rent help for veterans

Supportive Services for Veteran Families grantees can pay rent, deposits, and utilities for very low-income veterans who are homeless or at risk. Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838.

Charities that help with rent

Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, local churches, and United Way partner agencies often pay part of a month’s rent once a year. Combining help from two or three sources is common. See our church rent assistance guide.

If you already have an eviction notice

• Read the dates and do not ignore court papers.
• Call legal aid right away; find yours at LawHelp.org.
• Apply for rent help immediately and tell your landlord in writing.
• Go to every hearing, and bring proof that help is pending.

Documents to have ready

• Photo ID and Social Security numbers for the household.
• Your lease and the notice or ledger showing what you owe.
• Proof of income for the last 30 days, or proof of job loss.
• Your landlord’s name, address, phone number, and W-9 (many programs need it).

Mistakes that cost people rent help

• Waiting too long: many programs need weeks; apply as soon as you fall behind.
• Applying to one program: funds run out, so apply to several.
• Landlord not responding: programs often need the landlord’s information and W-9; ask your landlord to cooperate early.
• Skipping court: pending help only matters if you are there to tell the judge.
• Paying “application helpers”: real applications are free.

Combining more than one source of rent help

A common approach: a family two months behind on $1,100 rent gets $900 from a county prevention program, $400 from Catholic Charities, and pays the rest from a TANF emergency payment, while applying for SNAP to free up cash for the next month. Programs like to see that the full amount is covered and that you can keep up afterward, so show each one the others’ commitments.

Talking to your landlord while you wait

Tell your landlord in writing that you have applied for rent help, which programs, and when you expect an answer. Offer a partial payment if you can. Many landlords will wait when they know payment is coming, and some programs require the landlord to agree not to evict while assistance is processed. Keep copies of everything.

Key terms explained

Homelessness prevention

Short-term help, including rent, to keep a household from losing housing.

Coordinated entry

Your area’s single intake process for housing help.

Diversion

One-time help, often through TANF, to avoid a crisis.

Does renter’s insurance help with rent?

Usually not with unpaid rent. But if a fire or covered disaster forces you out, renter’s insurance can pay for a hotel and replace belongings, which protects the money you need for rent.

Your step-by-step plan for this week

1. Dial 211 and ask what rent help is open now.
2. Apply to two or three programs the same day.
3. Families: ask about TANF emergency assistance. Veterans: call SSVF.
4. Call legal aid if you have a notice or court papers.
5. Get on voucher waiting lists for the long term.

For more specifics, see our guides on programs that help pay rent and emergency rental assistance.

Related guides

• Catholic Charities rent assistance
• Low-income housing with no waiting list
• Eviction assistance in Texas
• Rent relief

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Funding changes quickly; confirm with each program. National Relief Program is an independent website, not a government agency.