Delaware County officially launched the Delaware County Emergency Rental Assistance (DELCO ERA) Grant Program on March 26. The program assists renters who have suffered disruption and loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over $37 million is available to residents to assist with past due rent and an outstanding utility bill.

Learn more at delco-era.com

How does the program work?

• DELCO ERA will pay up to 12 months for past due rent and your largest past-due utility bill. For verified Priority 1 applications, up to three (3) months of future rent and utility may be paid totaling up to 15 months of assistance. Past due rent can go as far back as April 1, 2020. DELCO ERA does not pay for deposits.
• No more than one (1) application per household.
• Grant funds are paid directly to your landlord/property manager and utility on your behalf.
• Funds will be distributed on a “first come, first qualified and approved” basis until program funds are depleted.
• Eligible applicants must earn 80% or less of area median income (AMI) for household size. (See below)
• Priority 1 for processing will be given to households where at least one of the following is true:
• Total household income no greater than 50% of Area Median Income;
• At least 1 person unemployed who has an active claim with the Office of Unemployment Compensation for at least the 90 days prior to the date of Registration with this Program;
• Facing eviction in Common Pleas Court, filed on or before January 31, 2021 for the reason of non-payment of rent.
• People with language and/or physical or related challenges can request assistance with application submission.