Earlier this month, KRHC launched the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program, the largest initiative in our corporation's history. Funded by the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, KERA provides rent, utility, and internet assistance to Kansas renters financially impacted by the COVID pandemic.
Who is eligible?
Applicants who meet all of the following criteria may qualify for KERA assistance:
· Tenant rents their home.
· Tenant’s 2020 household income did not exceed 80 percent of their area’s median income.
· At least one member of the tenant household is experiencing documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. Hardship may include loss of employment, reduction in household income, or significant COVID-related expenses (medical bills, personal protective equipment, child care costs, equipment or internet costs to enable online work/schooling, etc.).
· At least one member of the tenant household is uncertain where they will stay or may become homeless without housing assistance.
· Tenant can provide valid proof of identification.
· Tenant resides in Kansas but outside Wichita. Wichita residents may apply for assistance through the Wichita Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERAP), administered by the City of Wichita.
What does assistance cover?
· Up to 12 months of residential rent and rental arrears.
· Up to three months of prospective rent at a time, even if the household does not have rental arrears.
· Past due residential utility and home energy (electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash service) and internet costs.
Note: All expenses must have been billed or charged April 1, 2020 or later.
How to apply:
Both landlord and tenant must apply via a joint online application process.
1. Landlord completes online certification.
2. Tenant submits online application.
3. Landlord and tenant are notified when application is processed.
4. If approved, landlord and/or service provider(s) receive funds directly from KHRC.
5. Landlord and/or service provider(s) apply assistance to tenant account.
To learn more and access the application, please visit the KHRC website.
APPLY NOW
Please note: Our online application platform works best with Google Chrome.
Questions? Contact us at kera@kshousingcorp.org.