Clermont County residents who have fallen behind on rent and utility payments (except telephone, cable and Internet) due to the pandemic can get financial help.

The Board of County Commissioners has approved a Clermont County Job and Family Services’ contact with Clermont County Community Services to administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Fund. Clermont County received $6.1 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for renters through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

This program covers rental payments that are late and overdue as well as utility payments, including gas, electric, fuel oil, trash removal, and water and sewer.

Applicants must have filed their taxes this year, as their 1040 will be used to verify income eligibility. They must have been unemployed due to COVID-19 or experienced a reduction in income due to the pandemic.

Eligible renter households may receive up to 12 months of past due payment assistance with direct payments made to the landlords and utility providers. Landlords may apply on behalf of the renter with their consent. Funding expires on Dec. 31.

Clermont County residents may apply by emailing Support@CCCSI.org or by going to www.CCCSI.org .