DC Department of Human Services

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps District residents earning less than 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are facing housing emergencies, by providing funding for overdue rent including late fees and court costs if qualified household is facing eviction. The program also supports security deposits and the first month's rent for residents moving into new apartments. The amount paid on behalf of eligible households depends on a household's income and available resources and is subject to certain limitations.

Assistance Distributed By
Nonprofit or for-profit providers
Funding Source
General revenue; Special one-time federal funding
Funding Year
FY 2023
Program Status
Active
Total Funding
$43,000,000
Treasury State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Funding
$6,700,000
Website
https://erap.dhs.dc.gov/
Amount Provided
$4,650 median one-time fixed amount
How Provided?
Rental assistance paid to landlord, housing agency, or approved vendor only
Data Collected by Program
Income; Race; Ethnicity; Disability Status; Age
Program Type
Tenant-based rental assistance
Income Eligibility Threshold
40% AMI or less
Duration
Short-term (up to 7 months)
Assistance Used For
Rent arrears
Current and/or future rent
Security deposits and relocation fees
Utilities
Food or household essentials
Info Source
Program administrator survey response
Last Updated
4/2/24 16:57
Other Eligibility Requirements

Persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness; Households with rental arrears

Required Documents

Required for photo ID, lease. Self-attestation permitted for income (general), zero, self-employed, or non-traditional income.

Coordinates Eligibility With

Does not coordinate with other systems

Amount Calculation Method

Program offers a one-time fixed amount

Eligibility Limitations

Does not limit eligibility on these criteria

Priority Populations

Persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness; Households with eviction notices; Households with rental arrears