DC Announces New $352 Million Rent Assistance Program

• April 12th 2021

by Nena Perry-Brown

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DC is adding a new rent relief program to its toolkit.

Today, the Mayor's office announced the $352 million Stronger Together by Assisting You (STAY DC) program, enabling tenants and landlords to apply for grants to satisfy outstanding and upcoming rent and utility payments.

The assistance can cover up to 12 months of past-due payments starting with April 2020, and/or up to three months at a time for future payments, totalling up to 18 months. Renters will be considered eligible if there is a risk of missed payments, and there is a maximum 2020 household income of $82,300 for a family of four.

The program is administered by the Department of Human Services in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, Health and Human Services, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. STAY also replaces the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP); the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) remain active.

“STAY DC will help us prevent housing instability by ensuring District residents can keep a roof over their heads and their utilities on, without sacrificing other basic needs,” Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio said in a statement.

Applications opened online today and there is also a help hotline at 833-4-STAYDC. Applicants can also submit through community-based organizations. The program uses federal funds from the December and March appropriations.

CORRECTION: The income maximum has been updated since publication.

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/dc-announces-new-352-million-rent-assistance-program/18127.