COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

In response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program makes funding available to states, U.S. territories, local governments, Indian tribes or Tribally Designated Housing Entities, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities. You can find a listing of rental assistance programs funded by the ERA program on the U.S. Department of Treasury's website.

• Emergency COVID-19 Rental Assistance Programs - Learn more about the State of Illinois, Cook County, and City of Chicago new emergency COVID-19 rental assistance programs including eligibility requirements and documents you will need in order to apply.
  • Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) - ILRPP is a statewide emergency rental assistance program designed to support households in Illinois that are unable to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ILRPP is now accepting applications from tenants through July 18. You may start your application at https://ilrpp.ihda.org. More information on program details and FAQs for tenants and housing providers are available online. Contact IHDA’s ILRPP call center at (866) 454-3571 to be connected with a housing support service organization to help tenants with barriers to accessing the online application or email questions.ilrpp@ihda.org.
  • Chicago Housing Assistance Portal - The Department of Housing and the Department of Family and Support Services have several initiatives to provide housing cost assistance to Chicago residents impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) - ERAP is now closed. However, anyone in the state who meets eligibility requirements are eligible for the ILRPP.
  • City of Chicago Department of Family & Support Services Rental Assistance Program (RAP) - Helps Chicagoans who have housing right now, but who may become homeless soon because they lost income or had another eligible emergency which prevents them from paying rent. Applications are closed. For assistance call or visit any of the City of Chicago Community Service Centers or call 3-1-1 and ask for “short-term help.” However, anyone in the state who meets eligibility requirements are eligible for the ILRPP.
  • Cook County Emergency Rental Assistance Program - Serving people who live in Suburban Cook County. Applications are closed. However, anyone in the state who meets eligibility requirements are eligible for the ILRPP.
• Champaign County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) - To apply, complete application form and then mail/drop-off at the Brookens Administrative Center. If you have questions, contact the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission at (217) 328-3313. More information and other resources are available online.
• DuPage County CRIS - DuPage County’s community resource database, including housing & utility assistance.
• Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (FERA) - Provides rent and utility assistance for eligible households financially impacted by COVID-19. Applications opened April 5. For questions or help with your applications, call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 899211. You can also email EmergencyAssistance@LakeCountyHA.org or call (847) 223-1170 ext. 2400.
• Madison County Rent & Mortgage Assistance - If you have questions, call the Madison County Community Resource Line at (618) 296-5300.
• McHenry County Emergency Utility and Rental Assistance Program - Check if you qualify for emergency assistance online, or by calling (815) 338-7752 or emailing brosenquist@mchenrycountyhousing.org.
• Winnebago County Rental Help - WCERA may provide up to 15 months of rental assistance and utility/home energy assistance to eligible Winnebago County, Illinois renter households to increase housing stability and prevent evictions. Applications are open July 1 to July 15. If you have questions or need more information, please call (815) 972-7368 or email contact@renthelp.wincoil.us.

Other Rental Assistance Programs

• Community Action Agencies - Community Action Agencies across the State provide a variety of services, including but not limited to, Rental/Mortgage Assistance, Food, Energy Utility Bill Assistance, Water/Sewer Payment, Employment Training/Placement, Financial Management, and Temporary Shelter.
• Help Illinois Families - Programs for eligible Illinoisans seeking emergency assistance to cover costs of utility bills, rent, temporary shelter, food, and other household necessities.
• Illinois Department of Human Services - Call “Help is Here” at 1-833-2-FIND-HELP (1-833-234-6343) and be connected to the Homeless Prevention Program, which provides rental/mortgage assistance, and utility assistance to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness or are currently homeless. You can also be connected with food, medical, shelter, recovery, and other resources.
• 211 - Call 2-1-1 to be connected to local health and human service assistance.

HUD-assisted and affordable apartments
HUD helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants. To apply, contact or visit the management office of each apartment building that interests you.

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
To apply for either type of help, visit your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).

Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so you may want to apply at more than one PHA. Your PHA can also give you a list of locations at which your voucher can be used.

Local tenant rights, laws and protections - Know your rights as a tenant and protections available to you. Find information about landlord-tenant issues, your responsibilities, and resources across Illinois

Need advice?