If you’re behind on rent or facing eviction, several types of emergency assistance may be available. Sources include state and local government programs, federal funding routed through local agencies, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits like the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities.
The federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program from the pandemic has largely ended, but many states and counties continue to operate their own programs with state or county funds. This guide covers where to look, what documentation you typically need, and what to do if you receive an eviction notice.
Start Here: Three First Calls
- 211 — dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in the U.S. to reach United Way’s information and referral service. They’ll connect you with rental assistance programs in your area
- Your local Community Action Agency — find yours at communityactionpartnership.com/find-a-cap. These agencies often run rental assistance funded by state and federal grants
- Your local Catholic Charities or Salvation Army — both organizations run emergency rental assistance funds. You don’t need to be Catholic or affiliated with any religion
Types of Assistance
Back-rent grants
One-time payments made directly to your landlord to cover past-due rent. Amounts vary widely — some programs cap at one month, others at three or more. Most require proof of hardship (job loss, medical emergency, etc.) and documentation that you can pay rent going forward.
Eviction-prevention assistance
Some programs help with the current month’s rent if you’re at risk of eviction. These are often time-sensitive — apply as soon as you know you’ll fall behind, not after.
Security deposits and first-month rent
Some programs help with move-in costs for households leaving homelessness or unsafe situations. Coordinate with a housing case manager.
Utility shutoff prevention
Often runs alongside rental assistance — see our Utility Bill Assistance guide for LIHEAP and other utility-specific programs.
Typical Eligibility
- Household income below a set limit (often 50–80% of area median income)
- A documented hardship — job loss, reduced hours, medical emergency, family crisis
- Proof of housing instability — a past-due notice, eviction notice, or shutoff warning
- Identification, lease, and pay/income documentation
Some programs prioritize specific groups: families with children, veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, or those facing imminent eviction.
What to Do If You Get an Eviction Notice
- Don’t ignore it. Eviction processes have strict timelines. Missing a court date or a response deadline can mean losing the case automatically
- Read it carefully. Note the date, the reason, and what you’re being asked to do (pay, move out, or fix something)
- Contact a tenants’ rights organization or legal aid immediately. Many cities have free tenant lawyers. Find help at LawHelp.org or search “[your city] legal aid eviction”
- Apply for rental assistance the same day. Programs often work with the court to delay or stop eviction if a payment is in process
- Show up to court. If you have a hearing, attend it — even if you think you’ll lose. Tenants who show up generally fare much better than tenants who don’t
- Negotiate with your landlord. Many landlords prefer a payment plan or a partial-payment arrangement over a costly eviction. Put any agreement in writing
Resources for Specific Situations
- Veterans facing housing instability — call the VA at 1-877-424-3838 (24/7) for the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
- Domestic violence survivors — call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for emergency housing referrals
- People with disabilities — your local Center for Independent Living can connect you with accessible-housing resources
- Older adults — your Area Agency on Aging may have senior-specific housing programs
What Not to Do
- Don’t pay any company that charges a fee to find rental assistance for you — legitimate programs are free
- Don’t move out before a court orders you to — leaving voluntarily can affect your tenant record and your security deposit
- Don’t stop paying rent in the months after applying for help — partial payments protect you legally
- Don’t take cash advances or payday loans to cover rent if you can avoid it — these often make the underlying situation worse
Educational only — not legal advice. If you are facing eviction, consult a tenant’s rights attorney or legal aid lawyer in your area. Program availability and eligibility vary by location and change frequently.