CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Friday's the deadline for renters in suburban Cook County to apply for additional help with rent and utilities.
Cook County said the second round of emergency rental assistance will distribute $75 million in aid to those who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability due to the pandemic.
The money comes from the American Rescue Plan, which was passed earlier this year. The aid can cover moving, security deposits, past due utility bills, and temporary housing; and is offered to both tenants and landlords, with prioritization preference given to suburban Cook County’s most vulnerable residents.
“This is a crucial extension of our Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which has provided aid to nearly 8,000 tenants and landlords during this difficult time. It was top priority for the County to continue this program and make critical improvements, such as covering relocation, security deposits, and other housing-related expenses that our residents so desperately need,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
The County said people who received aid during the first round of assistance are eligible for an additional three months of aid in the second round.
Those eligible for assistance must live in suburban Cook County, have proof of financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and have an annual household income of below a certain threshold.
Beyond meeting the eligibility requirements, priority will be given to eligible households that have received an eviction notice, households where at least one member has been unemployed for 90 days prior to applying, households where an individual pays more than 50 percent of income on rent, and households that are considered overcrowded. Priority applications will be processed before non-priority applications.
Landlords and tenants in suburban Cook Country who wish to apply for ERA 2 funding can do so by visiting www.cookcountyil.gov/rent-help. Applications opened on Oct. 4 and will be accepted until Friday, Oct. 29, 2021. For additional information, call (833) 221-9821. Help is available in multiple languages.
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