Emergency rental and utility assistance available for households
The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program provides funds to assist Nebraska low-income households who are struggling to pay rent and utilities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Proof of financial need is required, and applicants must provide all required documents. Only applicants who meet all eligibility guidelines will be considered.
Nebraska will continue to operate the ERA Program until funding is no longer available from the U.S. Treasury, or until September 30, 2022.
Documents needed:
- Current lease or rental agreement
- Identification (Driver’s license or other government issued photo ID)
- Proof of income for all income-earning household members (2020 Form 1040, paystubs, Unemployment Benefits statement, etc.)
Renter eligibility:
- Current household income at or below 80% area median income. Get more information here: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html#2020_faq
- Assistance for up to 12 months of past due rent and 3 future months may be approved for households experiencing housing instability. No more than 15 months of assistance will be approved.
- No more than $20,000 total assistance for any household (with a $10,000 cap on other expenses)
(Please note: Douglas County, Lancaster County and certain Native American tribal entities have a separate application process.)
Households seeking financial support can apply by visiting the state’s Coronavirus website at Coronavirus.Nebraska.gov.
Questions? Call the ERA Program Contact Center at 833-500-8810, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Find additional COVID-related resources and programs.