Emergency rental and utility assistance

As of October 2021, Emergency Rental Assistance now is available for non-COVID as well as COVID-related reasons.

Clermont County residents under 85% area median income who have fallen behind on rent and utility payments can get financial help.  (Area median income for a family of one is $48,350; family of four is $69,050.)

The Board of County Commissioners 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. Funding expires on Sept. 30, 2022

A second Emergency Rental Assistance program under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which does not require COVID-related reasons, runs through Sept. 30, 2025.

Community Services will determine which funding source they draw down from once they have all the information from the applicant.

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.

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.

Clermont County residents may apply by emailing support@CCCSI.org and requesting an application. Here is a checklist of what is needed:

☐APPLICATION FILLED OUT ENTIRELY AND SIGNED

☐ ID, DRIVERS LICENSE FOR ALL ADULTS IN HOUSEHOLD

☐SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS, FOR ALL MEMBERS OF HOUSEHOLD

☐LEASE SIGNED AND UPDATED, FOR RENT ONLY

☐ INCOME, MUST PROVIDE 90 DAYS (3months) WORTH OF INCOME, PREFER TO HAVE A COPY OF IRS FORM 1040 FROM YEAR 2020 INCOME TAXES

☐ UTILITY BILL, IF APPLICABLE

☐SELF DECLARATION FORM AND EXPLANATION OF SITUATION

☐ PROOF OF TOTAL PAYMENT AMOUNT FOR LANDLORD FORM

☐COVID RELATED FORM

How does the program work?
• The program was designed to assist Clermont County households that are unable to pay rent and utilities.
• Eligible renter households may receive up to 12 months of past-due payment assistance and three months of future rental payments with direct payments made to the landlords and utility providers.
• Landlords may apply on behalf of the renter with their consent.
• The program covers rental payments that are late and overdue including late fees as well as utility payments, including gas, electric, fuel oil, trash removal, internet service and water and sewer.
How is eligibility determined?
• Income eligible, under 85% area median income (Area median income for a family of one is $48,350; family of four is $69,050.)
• Income will be determined through a copy of the 2020 1040 tax form, pay stubs and/or a self-declaration form.
Can landlords apply on behalf of the renter?
• Yes. If eligible, assistance may be granted for rent and utilities.
How do I make an application?
• Email support@cccsi.org for an application
• Visit: Clermont County Community Services, 3003 Hospital Drive, Batavia, Ohio 45103