Allegheny County rental relief program now accepting applications
Rep. Jessica Benham March 15, 2021 | 11:50 AM
HARRISBURG, March 15 – Financial assistance is now available to help Allegheny County residents struggling to pay rent or utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a program that is partially funded by legislation members of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation helped to pass.
The Allegheny County Emergency Rental Assistance program has a total of $79.9 million to distribute to eligible county residents. Of that funding, $43 million came from Act 1 of 2021, which Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law last month.
Eligibility requirements for the program include:
- having at least one person who qualifies for unemployment, has lost income or suffered financially due to COVID-19.
- being at risk of experiencing homelessness.
- having a total income below 80% of the Area Median Income for Allegheny County.
ACDD Chairman state Rep. Austin Davis, as well as state Reps. Jessica Benham, Dan Deasy, Tony DeLuca, Dan Frankel, Ed Gainey, Sara Innamorato, Emily Kinkead, Anita Kulik, Summer Lee, Brandon Markosek, Robert Matzie, Dan Miller, Nick Pisciottano and Jake Wheatley, issued the following statement:
“People living in Allegheny County have been struggling for over a year during this pandemic. This program has been a long time coming and helps provide direct relief to those who’ve been scrambling to pay their rent and bills during this difficult time. Help is available and we encourage anyone who’s eligible to apply.”
Applications can be submitted online through Allegheny County’s website or compass.state.pa.us. Drop-in centers will also be available around Allegheny County for those who do not have access to the internet. Residents may call ACTION-Housing at 412-248-0021 for locations and assistance with the application process.