Eligibility Information

+ What is ERAP?

ERAP stands for Emergency Rental Assistance Program. ERAP is a new rental assistance program for eligible renters struggling to pay their rent or utilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

+ Are all Alaskans eligible to apply for NPRHA’s ERA program, regardless of where they live in Alaska?

No, applicants must live within the North Pacific Rim Housing Authority region.

+ Do I have to be on unemployment to qualify?

No. As long as you can show a COVID related need and meet the income requirements you do not need to be on unemployment to qualify for the program.

+ What costs are covered?

Emergency Rental assistance can pay for rent and utilities (electricity and heating fuel) owed back to March 13, 2020, when the national state of emergency was declared. The program will also cover up to three months at a time for prospective rent assistance for eligible households. Eligible households may receive up to 15 months of assistance, subject to the availability of funds.

+ Does assistance from the ERA program count as “income”?

No, assistance provided to a household from NRPHA’s ERA program is not counted as “income” and will not be counted as a resource for determining eligibility of the household or any member of the household for benefits or assistance under any federal, state or local assistance funded from federal funds.

+ Does Emergency Rental Assistance need to be paid back?

No, NPRHA’s ERA program is intended for rent-burdened tenants who are struggling to make their rental or utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic and does not need to be reimbursed or paid back.

+ Do I have to be behind on rent to get help?

No. NPRHA’s ERA program can provide assistance with current and future rent to eligible participants. However, if you have overdue rent, the money you get must go toward rent that you owe before it can be used for future rent.

+ If I don’t need help with unpaid or future rent payments, can I still apply for help with unpaid utility bills?

Yes.

+ Do I have to have been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic to be eligible for the program?

Yes. You must demonstrate negative economic or financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic.

+ I am a Tribal member living on non-Tribal lands, or a nontribal member living on Tribal lands, am I eligible?

A Tribal member living outside Tribal lands can receive emergency rental assistance funds from their Tribe or Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE), as long as you are not already receiving assistance from another Tribe, TDHE or from the state.

Nontribal member living on Tribal lands can receive emergency rental help from a Tribe or Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE), as long as you are not already getting assistance from another Tribe, TDHE or from the state.

+ What if I did not live in my current rental when COVID-19 started?

You can still apply for assistance with your rent and/or utility bills. There is no requirement for a specific length of residency in your current rental property.

+ Am I eligible if I have a “rent to own” or “lease to own” agreement?

You can get emergency rental assistance even if you have a “rent/lease to own” agreement as long as:

• You haven’t signed or co-signed a mortgage for the property that you are renting/leasing to own
• You haven’t exercised an option to purchase the property
• You do not hold the deed or title to the property

+ I am currently employed and have income. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes. The maximum allowable household income level varies based on your borough or census area.

Funds will be available to renters with household incomes of no more than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). Area Median Income (AMI) is calculated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) using data from federal entities such as the IRS. To qualify for emergency rental assistance:

• Your 2020 annual income for all members of your household – including all wages, tips, etc. – must have been at or below the 80% community Area Median Income (AMI); OR
• Your 2021 monthly income for all members of your household – including all wages, tips, etc. – must currently be at or below the 80% community Area Median Income (AMI).

Note that income documentation is required for the entire household. You can still apply for assistance with your rent and/or utility bills. There is no requirement for a specific length of residency in your current rental property.

Application Process

+ I submitted my application but did not receiev a verification code. What do I do?

Please check your spam and junk mail folders for the verification email. Please also double check your email address and phone number to make sure that there are no accidental typos in your entry.

+ Can someone help me complete my application?

Yes. If you need assistance completing your application or providing supplemental documentation, please visit your local NPRHA office

+ How can I check the status of my application?

Once you have applied, you will recieve notifications via email about your status.

+ What is the deadline to apply?

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 2022 or until funding runs out.