The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) portal is currently closed, and the program is not accepting new applications. To serve residents effectively and efficiently throughout the year, DHS will re-open the ERAP application again on January 1, 2024, April 1, 2024, and July 1, 2024.
Each quarter, DHS will close the portal once 3,500 applications are received. Currently, ERAP providers are reviewing the applications received since October 1, 2023, in the order they are received. ERAP providers will reach out to residents if additional documents are needed. Residents can check the status of their submitted application by logging into their account at erap.dhs.dc.gov
Residents seeking emergency rental assistance can submit their application when the portal re-opens on January 1, 2024. Click here to learn more about the documents needed to submit a complete application.
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.