Georgia Rental Assistance Program
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs began administering the State of Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA) in early March 2021. GRA can help renters with their past due rent and utilities. Payment will be made directly to landlords and utility providers. More information on program details and how to apply will be added to this page as soon as the online application portal is ready.
The State of Georgia received $552 million from the U.S. Treasury for the Georgia Rental Assistance Program. These funds will be administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) through the Georgia Rental Assistance Program.
The Georgia Rental Assistance Program can assist with past due rent (not mortgage) and utilities. The money will be distributed directly to landlord and eligible applicants will receive up to 12 months of payment relief (up to $15,000).
https://georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov/
Who is eligible?
GRA can serve renter households that have combined incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions: Qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19; and Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; AND Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) , with priority given to: 1) households below 50 percent of the AMI, or 2) households with one or more individuals who have been unemployed 90 days or longer at the time of application Households with incomes that fall below 50% AMI will be prioritized. Households are also prioritized where one or more household members are unemployed and have been unemployed for 90 days.
Click Here to see the AMI for your area.What documents will a tenant need to show eligibility?
Renters will need the following general types of documents/items (e.g., copies, pictures, screenshots, etc.) along with their signed, fully completed application. The application and portal will specify the actual documents required.
- Identification (State ID or a passport)
- Income documents for every adult (age 18 and older) in the household and unearned income attributable to a minor
- Past due rent notice or past due utility bills
- Copy of the lease
- Proof of unemployment qualification OR documents showing a reduction in income, significant costs, or financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus
- If applying for utility assistance in addition to rent, copies of your most recent utility bills showing the amount owed, the utility provider and account number
https://georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov/