Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program
The Department of Economic Security (DES) provides low-income renters and homeowners with financial relief for housing and utility expenses.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) assists households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are provided directly to States, U.S. Territories, local governments, and Indian tribes. These agencies use the funds to aid eligible households through existing or newly created rental assistance programs. DES is administering this rental assistance program, as allowed under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance for past due rent or utilities. An additional extension of three months is available when the agency determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and funds are available.
Assistance must be provided to reduce an eligible household’s rental arrears before the household may receive assistance for future rent payments. Once a household’s rental arrears are reduced, the agency may only commit to providing future assistance for up to three months at a time. Households may reapply for additional assistance at the end of the three months when needed and the overall time limit for assistance is not exceeded. Individuals may apply online at the
Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Payments from the Emergency Rental Assistance and Utility Assistance Programs are not countable as income, a resource, or a vendor payment for any other state or federal assistance program.
The ERAP is available to both landlords and renters. While both may apply for assistance, eligibility is based on the renter’s address and ability to meet the following criteria:
●The renter has a risk of homelessness, housing instability, or unsafe living conditions demonstrated by the following:
Eviction Notice
Utility Shutoff Notice
Past Due Rent Notice
Other documents that serve as evidence of unsafe or unhealthy living conditions or instability
NOTE ERAP applicants must provide a photo ID, and a utility disconnect notice, or an eviction notice, or other proof of hardship, such as a termination letter. Renters must provide a copy of the lease or rental agreement.
●The renter, or a member of the renter’s household, is eligible for unemployment insurance benefits or has experienced financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
●The renter’s household income is less than or equal to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
NOTE The payment of existing housing-related arrears that could result in the eviction of an eligible household is prioritized. Assistance priority is also given to renters with household incomes under 50% of the AMI, and to those who have been unemployed for 90 days or longer.
The rental assistance portion of the program serves the following counties:
●Apache
●Cochise
●Coconino
●Gila
●Graham
●Greenlee
●La Paz
●Mohave
●Navajo
●Pinal
●Santa Cruz
●Yavapai
Maricopa, Pima, and Yuma County are receiving funding directly from the federal government. These counties’ rental assistance programs are separate from this program. Renters residing in these counties are encouraged to contact their local jurisdictions for similar programs.
The Utility Assistance Program serves all counties within Arizona.
To apply, the household completes the application for the
Utility Assistance Program and must provide a copy of the utility bill. The following utility expense types are covered by the Utility Assistance Program:
●Electricity
●Gas
●Propane
●Water
●Wastewater and sewer
●Garbage
NOTE The participant’s rental or utility expense amount(s) must not be removed or reduced as a result of participating in this program.
Complete the following:
●Key the OX Unearned Income Code in the INC TYPE field on UNIC.
●For rental assistance, document the case file with the following:
Budgeted HR 133 Emergency Rental Assistance.
●For utility assistance, document the case file with the following:
Budgeted ERAP Utility Assistance Program payment.