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Rent and Utilities Assistance

Due to the increased need for rent and utility assistance, we are only able to accept applications as we have availability and funding.

Past Due Rent

  • The lease must be in your name.
  • You must have a letter of delinquency or eviction notice.
  • Households must ​demonstrate the ability to stabilize financial situation within 30-60 days.

Past Due Utilities​ 

  • The bill must be in y​our name.​
  • You must have a disconnect notice or have had utilities disconnected within the last 60 days.
  • Households must demonstrate the ability to stabilize financial situation within 30-60 days.

Process

     1. Call the office at (402) 257-1122 to be scheduled to come in and fill out an application. Please note you may have to leave a message, but we will contact you within 1 business day.​

     2. Applications will be reviewed within 2 business days of receipt. Applicants will be contacted by phone for additional screening or notified of application denial if applicable. No financial commitments will be awarded during this screening.

     3. Afte​r the screening is completed, each application and screening will be reviewed by staff for approvals. Our intention is to make commitments within 5 business days of application receipt.

 

Note: The first step individuals facing hardships should take if they are concerned about paying their rent/utilities or facing eviction/utility disconnect is to contact their utility company's or leasing agent by phone right away to let them know if you may need assistance or a payment plan for your next monthly  payment. Early communication will  for more time to respond and explore all options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is eligible for Rent and Utility Assistance?

A. Sarpy, Douglas, Washington, Cass, Pottawatomi, and Dodge County residents. Prioritization will be made for:

  • Households who have suffered a substantial loss of income resulting from COVID-19, including job loss, reduction in compensated hours of work, or other loss of income related to COVID-19, and do not have financial resources to cover their rent or utility cost may be eligible to receive assistance.
  • Households with income levels at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
  • Households at risk of homelessness

Q. What supporting documentation will I need to provide when submitting the application for Emergency Assistance?

A. The following supporting documentation is required to be submitted electronically after the screening process:

  • Valid Picture ID
  • Social Security Card (or Birth Certificate) for you and every member of the household
  • Proof of Current Income (e.g. award letter, child support, recent pay stub, Social Security benefits, etc.)
  • If economic hardship is due to COVID-19, Proof of Income pre-COVID-19 (e.g. award letter, child support, recent pay stub, etc.)
  • Copy of your current lease/rental agreement and/or Copy of your current utility bill

Q. What if I don't have access to a scanner or fax machine in order to submit the required documents?

A. Documents can be submitted by sending an email of a scanned copy or picture of documents to case management staff after the screening interview. Arrangements can be made for special accommodations


Q. Am I guaranteed assistance once I apply?

A. Unfortunately No.  Applicants who fail to provide all required information or are found ineligible based on the program’s requirements will not receive assistance. Applications that could be considered eligible may not receive assistance if funding is no longer available based on demand.


Q. If I was determined to be ineligible for assistance, can I apply again?

A. Yes. You can create a subsequent application request for assistance which will restart the process for you. A change in circumstance or documentation may result in a change in your eligibility. If a previous application was determined ineligible due to misrepresentation of eligibility, you would not be eligible to reapply.


Q. How much assistance can an applicant be provided?

A. Each applicant's need is taken into consideration during the screening process. There are caps on assistance, but case management staff will work with applicants to determine a housing stabilization plan.

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