Today, April 9, is the last day to apply for Jacksonville’s rent relief program for people who are behind payments because of COVID-19.
According to WJCT news partner The Florida Times-Union, the program has already received 9,605 applications.
The United Way is working with the city to distribute $23.8 million in rental aid, while another $4 million is going towards mortgage relief for homeowners. JEA will receive $5 million to cover unpaid utility bills.
You may be eligible for the program if you have lost income due to COVID-19 and make less than 80% of area median income. That comes out to $42,000 for a single person, $48 for two people, or $60,000 for a family of four.
To receive rental aid, a renter must fill out an application, and also provide a photo ID, 2020 tax returns for all members of the household, verification of lost income due to COVID-19, and a current signed lease. Landlords must submit applications as well, and must provide a W-9 and proof of rental arrears.
Funds will go directly to the landlord to cover missed rent.
“We must do what we can to help those affected financially because of the virus,” said Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. “These programs stress the importance of keeping local families in their homes. However, we can’t assist those in need if they don’t apply.”
A national moratorium on evictions has been helping renters who are past due, but that moratorium is set to expire on June 30.
The deadline to apply for the program is 6 p.m. today. Landlords and tenants can both apply at www.coj.net/erap.
Contact Sydney Boles at sboles@wjct.org, or on Twitter at @sydneyboles.
