Money
United Way of Santa Barbara County is offering Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance to eligible County of Santa Barbara residents who have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and can demonstrate the need for rental support. Funds can be applied toward past-due rent or current rent. Read on to learn more!
OVERVIEW
United Way of Santa Barbara County is offering Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance to eligible County of Santa Barbara residents who have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and can demonstrate the need for rental support. This Emergency Rent Assistance Program is intended to prevent homelessness by providing rent assistance to residents. Funds can be applied toward past-due rent back to March 2020 or current rent.
WHAT
Eligible renter households may receive three-month rental assistance, up to $6,000 per household. Applicants are able to receive arrears (up to the $2k/month rent cap) and 3-months prospective rent (up to the $2k/month rent cap). Applicants can also apply for utility assistance. Applicants are able to re-apply every 3-months, up to 15-months. Payments are made directly to landlords and/or utility providers.
*If unit is leased by bedroom, individuals under that lease are considered "household". If whole unit is under one lease, all tenants are considered the "household" and must income qualify accordingly.
ELIGIBILITY
1) One or more individuals in the household qualified for unemployment benefits, or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly to COVID.
2) Can demonstrate risk of homelessness via past due rent/utility notice, unsafe or unhealthy living conditions , or <50% AMI.
3) Household income < 80% AMI income based on either FY 2020 annual or 2-months documentation at time of application.