Last updated: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.
If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, start with the steps below. Help is usually run locally, so what is available depends on where you live and how much funding a program has left.
Not being able to pay rent can lead to eviction, which can make it harder to rent in the future. Acting early, before your landlord files for eviction, can give you more options.
Need Help Paying Rent Now? Start Here
- Call 211. Tell them your county, your income, who lives with you, and how much rent you owe. Ask what rent help is open right now and whether you may qualify. You can also visit 211.org.
- Talk to your landlord. Ask about a payment plan, and get anything you agree to in writing.
- Contact local agencies. Try your Community Action Agency, Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities.
- Have your documents ready. Programs often ask for ID, your lease, any notice from your landlord, proof of income, and your landlord's contact details.
- Plan for the wait. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says rental assistance may take several weeks to arrive after you apply. Ask each program about timing.
Looking for Something Else?
- Need a place to stay tonight
- Security deposit and move-in help
- Which CARES Act and ERAP programs have closed, by state
Rent Assistance by State
Rent help is mostly run locally. Choose your state to see who to call, what may be open, and where to get legal help.
Rental Assistance by City
Facing Eviction? What to Do First
Rules and deadlines vary by state, and this page is general information rather than legal advice.
- Don't ignore a notice or court papers. Check every date on them. Eviction deadlines can be short.
- Contact legal aid right away. Use LawHelp.org to find free or low-cost legal help in your state.
- Call 211. Say you are facing eviction and give them any deadline or court date.
- Talk to a housing counselor. Find a HUD-approved counselor or call 800-569-4287. Check that the agency offers rental counseling.
- Veterans: call the VA's National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
$5,000, $2,000 and Other Rent Assistance Amounts
We are not aware of a national program that pays renters a set $5,000, $3,000, $2,000, or $500. Some local programs may pay up to amounts like these, but limits vary and funding can run out.
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA or ERAP): The U.S. Treasury says the period for its ERA2 awards ended on September 30, 2025, and that those funds can no longer be used to assist renters. Pages about pandemic-era or CARES Act rent relief may be out of date, although a state or local program may still use a similar name or have other funding. Call 211 to ask what is open in your area.
Help With a Security Deposit or First Month's Rent
Deposit help is usually local and limited. Ask 211 and your Community Action Agency whether any program near you covers a security deposit or first month's rent, and ask if you need a signed lease first.
How to Spot a Rental Assistance Scam
- Fees: be suspicious of anyone asking for cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to speed up your application.
- Offers you didn't request: be careful with unexpected emails, texts, calls, or social media messages, even if they use a government name or logo.
- Requests for personal information: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says a federal agency will not ask for personal or financial information to process a rental assistance application. Local programs may ask, so confirm a program is real through 211 first.
Read the CFPB's scam guidance, and report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How to Apply for Rental Assistance and How Long It Takes
You usually apply through a state, local, or nonprofit program, not a federal office. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says state, tribal, and local organizations are the best place to start.
How long does rental assistance take to be approved?
There is no set time. The CFPB says funds may take several weeks to arrive after you apply, so ask each program how long it is taking now. If you have a court date, ask legal aid how a pending application affects your case.
What to gather
Requirements differ. Treasury's guidance for its past Emergency Rental Assistance program shows what a program may want to see:
- Income: pay stubs, W-2s or other wage statements, or tax filings.
- Your home: a current lease signed by you and your landlord, if you have one.
- Rent: bank statements, check stubs, or other records that show you have been paying rent.
If a paper is missing, ask what else the program will accept. That past program allowed other proof, and in some cases a signed statement from the renter.
Does the money go to me or my landlord?
Often it goes to the landlord, but this depends on the program. HUD's Emergency Solutions Grants rules allow rent payments only to the owner, under an agreement with the program. Ask what happens if your landlord will not take part. The CFPB says many programs accept applications from both landlords and renters.
Are Rent Grants Real, and Do You Have to Repay Them?
Rent help is real, but you generally can't apply to the federal government for a personal rent grant. USA.gov says the government does not offer "free money" for individuals, and that federal grants are typically only for states and organizations. Those groups may then run the local programs you apply to.
Do you repay it? We did not find one national rule that covers every program, so ask before you accept help:
- Is this a grant or a loan? Will I ever have to pay any of it back?
- Does this payment clear everything I owe, or only part of it?
- Can I get these terms in writing?
How to spot a fake grant: the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says the government won't contact you out of the blue about grants, and no agency will contact you to demand that you pay to get one.
Where to Get Help With Back Rent or Rent Arrears
Start with 211, and ask for "rental arrears" or "homelessness prevention" help by name. Ask each program whether it pays back rent and late fees, how many months it can cover, and whether you need a past-due or eviction notice to apply.
Emergency Solutions Grants rules allow a one-time payment of up to 6 months of back rent, including late fees on that rent. That is a ceiling, not a promise. This prevention help is for people with income below 30% of the area's median who are at risk of homelessness or meet certain homelessness definitions, and funds may not be open in your area.
Talk to your landlord at the same time. The CFPB lists options to ask about: a repayment plan over six months to a year, a waived late fee, smaller payments during the month, or lower rent for a short period.
Who Runs Government Rent Assistance?
No single office runs it. Federal agencies such as HUD fund some programs, while local agencies, states, counties, cities, and nonprofits work with renters.
- Local public housing agencies: HUD says around 2,000 local agencies run the Housing Choice Voucher program. Use our housing authority directory to find yours.
- Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG): HUD sends this money to states, metropolitan cities, urban counties, and territories, which can pass funds on to local governments or nonprofits. Ask 211 who handles it near you.
- States and counties: USA.gov says to contact your state for emergency rent help, and that each state has its own rules.
Charities That May Help With Rent
Several national charities have local offices or members that may help with rent. Funds and rules vary from place to place, so call first and ask whether money is available now.
- United Way (211): United Way says you can learn about rental assistance programs in your area by dialing 211.
- Salvation Army: it says it provides rental assistance to eligible households facing financial difficulties.
- Catholic Charities: a network of 170 agencies. Ask the nearest agency whether it offers emergency rent help.
- Lutheran Social Services: Lutheran Services in America has a map of its member organizations that you can explore by areas of work, including housing. Ask a nearby member whether it offers rent help.
- St. Vincent de Paul: the Society says its help commonly includes things like rental assistance. Ask a nearby Catholic parish whether it has a St. Vincent de Paul group.
Rent Loans: What to Watch For
Try free help first, because a high-cost loan can leave you with a bigger bill next month.
- Payday loans: the CFPB says a typical two-week loan with a $15 per $100 fee equals an APR of almost 400%. The FTC warns that after several rollovers, you may pay hundreds of dollars in fees and still owe the original amount.
- Car title loans: the FTC says these can cost an APR of about 300%. If you can't repay, the lender may take your vehicle, even if you have made partial payments.
Before you borrow, the FTC suggests asking your creditors for more time, trying a credit union, asking family and friends, and contacting local charities and churches.
How to Get a Housing Voucher Quickly
There is usually no way to get a voucher right away. You must apply through your local housing agency, and HUD says wait times can be long. An agency may close its waiting list and stop taking new applications.
- Apply to more than one list. HUD says high demand may mean applying to several agencies.
- Ask about preferences. Each agency sets preferences based on local needs. HUD gives veteran and disability status as examples. Ask whether yours has one for people who are homeless or about to lose their home.
- Don't count on Emergency Housing Vouchers. HUD says very few agencies have any left to lease.
What to try while you wait:
- Call 211 for short-term rent help, because a voucher is unlikely to solve a rent problem due this month.
- Ask about public housing, a separate program that has its own waiting lists.
- Check HUD's affordable apartment map for subsidized buildings, and see our Section 8 rental listings so you are ready to search if a voucher comes through.
What Security Deposit Help Can Cover
Some federally funded programs can pay move-in costs, but limits apply and local funding varies.
- Emergency Solutions Grants: federal rules allow a security deposit of up to 2 months' rent and a standard utility deposit.
- Veterans: the VA's Supportive Services for Veteran Families rules allow security deposit help once in any 2-year period.
Rent Help by Situation
These routes may be worth asking about. Each has its own rules.
Single parents
Ask about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which USA.gov says is federally funded and state-run, with its own name and rules in each state. Federal rules recognize short-term crisis benefits of up to four months, so ask your local TANF office whether it offers one-time help with rent.
People with disabilities
HUD's Section 811 program funds housing for low-income adults with disabilities. You apply to the property owner, who decides eligibility and keeps any waiting list.
Seniors
HUD's Section 202 program funds housing for low-income residents age 62 or older. Under the federal definition, at least one person in the household must be 62 or older when moving in. As with Section 811, you apply to the property owner.
Veterans
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) serves low-income veteran families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. Its rules allow time-limited rent help, paid directly to the party owed. The VA encourages veterans to call 877-424-3838.
After a job loss
File for unemployment as soon as you can. USA.gov says it pays people who lose a job through no fault of their own, and that in most cases you file in the state where you worked. Then call 211 and tell them you lost your job.
How Do I Qualify for Rent Assistance?
Rules vary by program and location. Most programs look at your household income, household size, where you live, and whether you are behind on rent or at risk of losing your home. Take a look at the options below to find programs you may qualify for.
This form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.
Federal Government Assistance for Rent
The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income households pay rent in the private market. Vouchers are run by local public housing agencies, and waiting lists can be long.
HUD says public housing agencies determine eligibility for a housing voucher based on:
- Total annual gross income
- Family size
- U.S. citizenship
- Eligible immigration status for non-citizens
HUD funds low-income housing and rent assistance programs, but it does not give money directly to renters. To apply for a voucher, contact your local public housing agency.
- Vouchers serve low-income families, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities.
- You may need to join several waiting lists because demand is high.
HUD - Subsidized Housing
HUD helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income families.
Subsidized housing is owned and operated by private owners who receive subsidies in exchange for renting to low- and moderate-income families.
Owners may be individual landlords or for-profit or nonprofit corporations.
With this type of housing, you usually apply through the property's management office, and the subsidy stays with the property. A voucher is different because it stays with the tenant.
To be eligible for subsidized housing, your income must be below certain income limits. You must also meet other qualifications.
HUD - Public Housing
The housing authority owns your building for public housing and is your landlord.
Low-income apartments are for low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Income limits for public housing and vouchers are set by the government and change every year. Income limits for multifamily subsidized housing vary from development to development.
Rent Assistance For Disabled Adults(Section 811)
The Section 811 program helps pay rent by subsidizing rental housing for extremely low-income adults with disabilities.
A family with at least one adult member with a disability such as a physical, developmental disability or chronic mental illness is eligible for this low income housing program.
HUD main phone line: 202-708-1112
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program allows you to find your own place and use the voucher to pay for part of the rent at a rental property that meets program rules.
You usually pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and it can be as high as 40%. The housing agency pays the rest of the approved rent directly to the landlord.
For example, if your adjusted monthly income is $2,000, you would usually pay about $600 toward the rent ($2,000 x 30%). If you choose a unit that costs more than the local payment standard, you pay the difference.
Non-Profit Rent Assistance Programs
Many local organizations, such as non-profits, churches, parishes, and county social services, offer help to low-income families. Many of them pay your landlord directly.
If they can't help you with rent, ask whether they know another organization that can.
Financial Help For Low Income Housing Programs
Catholic Charities agencies offer emergency rent assistance, housing counseling, and other services to help prevent homelessness. They also build, own, and maintain affordable housing for low-income families, seniors, and people with special needs.
They provide emergency shelter and bridge and crisis housing programs. Homeless individuals are offered a safe haven and the tools needed to lead self-sufficient lives.
Single Mothers Home Sharing
Another option that you should explore is to share your housing expenses with someone in a similar situation.
Organizations such as CoAbode help put single mothers in contact with other moms so that they can share their housing expenses.
The House Share program welcomes any mothers raising children alone whether because of divorce, circumstance, or due to the death of a partner.
Home Share Program - Affordable Housing
Home share programs match homeowners who want to share their home with people looking for an affordable place to live.
Programs are run locally, so ask 211 whether there is one near you. HomeShare International has information about home share programs around the world.
Ask how the program screens people, and don't expect a match to be quick.
Affordable Apartments For Low-Income Families
Mercy Housing provides affordable homes nationwide for low-income families, seniors, individuals, and people with special needs.
Availability depends on the property, so contact Mercy Housing to ask about homes near you.
Senior Housing - Income Based Apartments
National Church Residences provides permanent housing to senior individuals and families with limited income.
They do focus on senior citizens and the elderly, but low income apartments may also be available for any formerly homeless individuals, single parents or moms, and the disabled.
Contact National Church Residences to ask how to apply and whether a community near you has openings.
Homeless housing and prevention services
Preventing homelessness is the first goal. It also costs less money to provide short-term help than it does to provide shelter or other rehousing services.
The National Coalition for the Homeless has some information on local agencies that can offer emergency financial help to pay rent or a utility bill.
Another goal is to try to get every individual and family into some form of safe and affordable housing, whether it is an apartment or some other type of center.
Salvation Army Rent Assistance
Housing & Rent Assistance Programs
When a family faces financial hardship, the Salvation Army may offer financial assistance to pay rent or medical bills, or help with basic needs.
The Salvation Army can assist single women, seniors, families with children, and those at risk of losing their permanent housing.
Many Salvation Army rent assistance programs are short term or seasonal in nature.
The Salvation Army is focused on preventing homelessness in the communities.
Resources are always limited, and eligibility requirements need to be met.
Suppose a family is faced with an eviction. In that case, a local Salvation Army Family Service center may have funding available for emergency rental assistance, utility bills, or food.
A local Salvation Army service office may have information on what short term transitional rental units or apartments are available in each town or city.
Most of these organizations do have some limitations and qualifications criteria for providing the help.
State or Local Government Rent Assistance Programs
Some states, counties, and cities run their own rent assistance programs. What is offered, who qualifies, and whether a program is open all vary.
To find programs in your state, call 211, contact your local public housing agency, or search the National Low Income Housing Coalition's rental programs database. Confirm with the program that it is still open, because the database may not reflect recent changes.
State & City Funded Rental Housing Programs
The National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to achieving socially just public policy that assures people with the lowest incomes in the United States have affordable and decent homes.
NLIHC goals are to preserve existing federally assisted homes and housing resources, expand the supply of low income housing, and establish housing stability as the primary purpose of federal low income housing policy.
North Carolina Rent Assistance Programs
North Carolina Public Housing Agency
Public housing agencies in North Carolina help residents with Section 8 vouchers funded by HUD. Waiting lists can be long, so ask each agency whether its list is open.
HUD helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants.
Caring Community - Help with Rent to Cancer Patient
The Caring Community Foundation is a charitable organization that provides financial support to cancer patients.
It helps cancer patients with rent assistance, treatment or other expenses that become difficult to manage during cancer treatment.
Below are eligibility criteria
- Do you live in North Carolina?
- Are you currently in treatment for cancer at a hospital or clinic in Wake, Durham, Orange or Johnston County?
Indian Housing Authority - Housing Assistance Program
The North Carolina Indian Housing Authority is empowered to provide rental housing and down payment assistance for low-income Native Americans.
Below are eligibility criteria
- Do you live in North Carolina?
- Are you Native American Indian?
How to Apply?
- Phone: 910-483-5073
- Call to confirm the agency is still taking applications.
Lumbee Tribe Rent Assistance Program
The mission of The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Housing Department is to provide affordable, safe, and sanitary housing options for eligible Lumbee Indian families.
Its Emergency Rental Assistance program can help pay a deposit or rent, up to $600 in a one-year period and no more than twice in a lifetime. You must be an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, live in the service area, and provide emergency and hardship documentation.
You must live in one of these counties:
- Cumberland
- Hoke
- Robeson
- Scotland
How to Apply?
- Emergency Rental Assistance intake: 910-668-2021
- Housing Department: 910-522-5161
- Call to ask about current funding and the documents you need.
Rent Assistance for North Carolinians with Disabilities
The shortage of affordable housing has implications for all North Carolinians.
Extremely low-income people with disabilities often have even more limited options without rental assistance.
The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency has announced grant funding for rental assistance for extremely low-income people with disabilities. Contact the agency to ask whether this help is still available.
Below are eligibility criteria
- Do you live in North Carolina?
- Extremely low-income persons
- A person with disabilities aged 18-61
Rent Assistance Questions
How do I qualify for rent assistance?
Rules vary by program and location. Most programs look at your household income, household size, where you live, and whether you are behind on rent or at risk of losing your home. Housing Choice Vouchers generally serve very low-income and extremely low-income households. Local programs set their own limits, so ask each program for its current rules.
How much rent assistance can I get?
There is no standard amount. It depends on the program, your situation, and the funding available when you apply. With a Housing Choice Voucher, you usually pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income and the housing agency pays the rest of the approved rent to the landlord. Local charities often offer smaller, one-time help.
Is there a national $5,000 or $2,000 rent assistance program?
We are not aware of a national program that pays renters a set $5,000, $3,000, $2,000, or $500. Some local programs may pay up to amounts like these, but limits vary and funding can run out. Check any offer with your local 211 or the official government agency before sharing personal information.
Is Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA or ERAP) still available?
The U.S. Treasury says the period for its ERA2 awards ended on September 30, 2025, and that those funds can no longer be used to assist renters. Some state or local programs may still use the same name or have other funding. Call 211 to ask what is open in your area.
What is the fastest way to get emergency rent assistance?
Call 211 and ask what is open in your county right now. You can also contact your local Community Action Agency, Salvation Army, or Catholic Charities. Rental assistance can take several weeks to arrive after you apply, so ask about timing and tell your landlord that you have applied.
Can I get help with rent if I am being evicted?
Possibly. Contact legal aid and call 211 as soon as you get a notice, and tell them about any deadline or court date. Some programs may prioritize households facing eviction. HUD-approved housing counselors can also help, and you can reach them at 800-569-4287. Ask whether rental counseling is on the agency's list of services.
Does HUD offer direct rent assistance?
HUD does not give money directly to renters. HUD funds programs run by local public housing agencies, including Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing. It also supports privately owned subsidized housing. To apply for a voucher, contact your local public housing agency. Waiting lists can be long.
Each organization makes the final decision on whether to give financial help.
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