The State of Georgia received $552 million from U.S. Treasury’s Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide relief to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be used to bring past due utilities and rent current for households with rental arrears. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will administer this program which will open in March 2021. The money will be distributed directly to landlords/utility companies, and eligible applicants can receive up to 12-15 months of payment relief. Individuals must qualify for unemployment or must have experienced a reduction in income, significant costs, or financial hardship due to COVID-19; demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and have household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). Apply at georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov.
