NOTICE OF CLOSING OF EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ERAP) APPLICATION PORTAL
In accordance with the Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005, as amended, D.C. Official Code §4-753.08(c-1)(3), and Mayor’s Order 2006-115, dated August 30, 2006, the District of Columbia (District) Department of Human Services (DHS) Family Services Administration (FSA) gives notice that DHS has received the number of Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) applications that we project can be supported with available Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 program funds. Therefore, the ERAP application portal is closed as of November 20, 2024.
This Notice shall remain in effect until the beginning of FY 2026 or the publication of a Notice in the District of Columbia Register indicating that additional appropriated funding has been authorized for the resumption of ERAP for the remainder of FY 2025.
If you are a family 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 64 New York Avenue, NE, and is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30 am - 4 pm and Friday, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm. The telephone number is 202-526-0017. After business hours, families can call the Homeless Services Hotline for information about services and resources at 202-399-7093 or 311.
If you are an individual experiencing or at risk of homelessness, please contact the Homeless Service Hotline for information about services, resources, shelter availability, and shelter transport at 202-399-7093 or 311.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please visit our website at erap.dhs.dc.gov or 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 meet the basic eligibility requirements for ERAP, you need to be a DC resident, you need to be at least 30 days behind in rent for back rental assistance applicants, or have a need for a security deposit and first month’s rent assistance and your household needs to be under the income limits.
To view eligibility requirements and apply for ERAP, please click the following link: erap.dhs.dc.gov
Additional information about ERAP income eligibility and fair market rent in the District is available here.