Treasury launches Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

The Treasury Department has announced it has launched a $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The program was established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. ERAP assists households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are provided directly to states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, local governments with more than 200,000 residents, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Indian tribes (including certain Alaska native corporations) or the tribally designated housing entity of an Indian tribe. Eligible grantees must use the funds to provide assistance to eligible households through existing or newly created rental assistance programs.