PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania state and regional officials are urging residents who are struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of the latest round of rental assistance. The rules have been slightly relaxed to make applying easier.
In the past, landlords had to support a tenant's application for rental assistance, but state human services secretary Teresa Miller said this round is more flexible. Either tenants or landlords can apply independent of each other.
"Regardless of who applies, if the tenant is eligible, then both tenant and landlord benefit," Miller explained.
Eligibility criteria include a household income at 80% or less of the area median, financial hardships due to COVID-19 and a risk of losing housing as a result. Assistance can also be used for overdue utility bills.
The state has $847 million in assistance available on a first come, first served basis. Miller urged those in need to apply immediately.
Philadelphia and each of its suburban counties has a different application and slightly different rules.
"We don't want to leave funds unspent when we know there's likely incredible need across Pennsylvania," Miller said.
Philadelphia and the suburbs are taking applications now for the next round of rental assistance.
Below are links and other information for how to apply:
Philadelphia: https://phlrentassist.org/
Bucks County: https://www.buckscounty.org/renthelp
Delaware County: E-mail info@delco-era.com
Montgomery and Chester Counties: call 211 and ask for rental assistance.
