Emergency rental and utility assistance

BATAVIA, OH (March 15, 2023) — 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 has approved a supplemental appropriation for $1.4 million in Emergency Rental Assistance 2 funds.

Commissioners approved a Clermont County Job and Family Services’ contact with Clermont County Community Services to administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Fund. An Emergency Rental Assistance program under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which does not require COVID-related reasons, runs through Sept. 30, 2025.

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 or 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.

Please note: This is an extension of funding for the program, and does not mean that households may receive anything beyond 12 months of assistance.

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 2021 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 2022 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