Below is an email sent out by the Indiana Housing & Community Development Program about how to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

The state's Rental Assistance Portal is now accepting applications for the the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA) program.

The IERA program can provide eligible renters with up to twelve (12) months of rental assistance. Qualifying applicants may also receive utility and/or home energy assistance for past due utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash) and home energy (fuel oil, wood, coal, pellets, and propane) expenses and internet/ broadband assistance for past due internet expenses.

You may be eligible for the program if you meet the following criteria:

Qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19

Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability

Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median

If you meet the eligibility requirements listed above you are encouraged to apply for the program. However, this is not intended to be a complete list of eligibility requirements.

Important Note: Individuals living Elkhart County, Hamilton County, Lake County, Marion County (Indianapolis), the City of Fort Wayne, and St. Joseph County are not eligible to apply for the IERA program. Households living in these areas must apply with their local municipality. Contact information for their programs are listed below:

Elkhart County - elkhartcounty.com/rentalassistance

Hamilton County - hctaindiana.com

Lake County - lakecountyin.care

Marion County (Indianapolis) - indyrent.org

City of Fort Wayne - fwcares.org

St. Joseph County - sjcindiana.com

Access the application here