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The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) will open a new round of assistance funded by a separate federal bill on Monday, November 8, 2021.
The Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) builds on the state’s comprehensive rental assistance programs launched by the Pritzker administration in 2020. The current statewide program provides up to $25,000 in emergency rental assistance to cover up to 15 months of past due rent and up to three months of future rent payments for tenants suffering a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant payments were made directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant as long as the landlord agreed to forgo an eviction.
“Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Pritzker has made it clear those impacted by this terrible virus should not face an additional burden due to homelessness or foreclosure, thereby increasing the chances of infection,” said IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust. “Since 2020, IHDA has provided over $735 million in emergency rental assistance to help keep more than 103,100 Illinois seniors, families and others safely housed. For those who were unable to received assistance this past round and for homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage, more help is coming as IHDA stands ready to assist on the road to recovery.”
IHDA received 89,122 ILRPP applications from renters and landlords across Illinois. The department has reviewed all completed applications, approved more than 57,000 applications and paid out $505 million on behalf of renters experiencing pandemic-related hardships.
The program is far reaching, with renters in 99 of Illinois’ 102 counties assisted with ILRPP funds. Approximately 50 percent of the 57,013 approved applications to date have assisted households who have been unemployed for more than 90 days, and 64 percent of approvals have assisted very-low-income households to keep vulnerable tenants in their homes. The program has provided an average of $9,090 per household.
In addition to the new ILRPP application period opening November 8, IDHS is currently accepting applications for rental assistance. Households looking for assistance should contact an IDHS Service Provider Agency to ask about rental assistance. Provider Agencies will help determine eligibility and assist with the application process. A list of Provider Agencies, as well as organizations offering assistance with utility bills, free legal aid and additional services can be found: www.illinoisrentalassistance.org.