NOTICE OF REVISIONS TO THE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ERAP) PORTAL RE-OPENING SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025
The ERAP application portal is currently closed, and the program is not yet accepting new applications for FY 2025.
The DC Department of Human Services (DHS) originally planned to re-open the ERAP application portal on October 1, 2024. However, work is currently underway to reform the ERAP program to ensure its limited resources are going to District residents who are eligible for the program and face the most urgent need for rental assistance. As a result, there will be a delay in reopening the ERAP portal for FY25.
DHS is working with urgency and in partnership with Council and community stakeholders to complete this necessary work and make these emergency funds available as quickly as possible.
During this time, ERAP providers are completing eligibility determination and payments for those applicants who applied in the last quarter of FY24.
After program reforms are finalized, DHS will be able to announce the re-opening of the portal. DHS will make its announcement at least 15 days before the re-opening date, and additional information will be posted here, including options for residents who need assistance with their ERAP applications. At this time, a re-opening date has not been confirmed.
Once the ERAP application portal opens, DHS will keep it open continuously until all FY25 funds have been allocated. This is a change from FY24 when the portal opened quarterly.
Residents seeking emergency rental assistance can submit their application when the portal re-opens. Click here to learn more about the documents needed to submit a complete application.
If you are experiencing homelessness or at immediate risk of homelessness, please contact the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC), the central intake office for all families in the District seeking assistance with their housing needs. VWFRC is located at 920 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, and is open Monday - Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The telephone number is 202-526-0017. After business hours, families can call the Shelter Hotline for information about services and resources at 202-399-7093 or 311.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the DHS/FSA ERAP office at [email protected].
About ERAP
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps District residents earning less than 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are facing housing emergencies, by providing funding for overdue rent including late fees and court costs if the qualified household is facing eviction. The program also supports security deposits and the first month's rent for residents moving into new apartments. The amount paid on behalf of eligible households depends on a household's income and available resources and is subject to certain limitations.
Per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Rent Reasonableness Guidelines, ERAP may provide up to five times the rental amount based on the area zip code and bedroom size of the apartment/house.
To view eligibility requirements and apply for ERAP, please click the following link: https://erap.dhs.dc.gov
Additional information about ERAP income eligibility and fair market rent in the District is available here.