This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has released the ERA (Emergency Rental Assistance) and the EMA (Emergency Mortgage Assistance), State funded emergency assistance programs. Please see the flyers below for information on both programs.

The ERA program will run from 8/10 to 8/21 or until they received 150,000 applications. This is a state wide program. It is not “first come, first serve”; instead the use of a randomization selection process of all applicants that apply and are eligible will be applied.

Clients can apply online at the website listed below, or if they do not have internet access, they can call the call center number listed below.

Website to apply: https://era.ihda.org/

ERA_How To Apply ENGLISH FINAL (PDF)

ERA_How To Apply SPANISH FINAL (PDF)

ERA_FLYER_FINAL (PDF)

EMA Flyer_FINAL (PDF)

EMA_FAQ_FINAL (PDF)

IHDA_CRF Background_FINAL (PDF)

Call Center Phone Number: (312) 883-2720, or toll-free at (888) 252-1119.

For those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired, please contact Navicore Solutions for free assistance at (877) 274-4309 (TTY).

Program Information:

The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program will provide renters impacted by COVID-19 $5,000 for back rent and prepay through 2020, or until funds are exhausted.

  • IHDA will accept applications August 10 through August 21
  • Household income must be at or below 80% Area Median Income
  • You have an unpaid rent balance that began on or after March 1, 2020 due to loss of income related to COVID-19 pandemic
  • Applications will be selected by a third-party randomization service, not through first come, first served
  • If approved, payment will be wired directly to the landlord within 10 business days; or 15-20 days if by paper check
  • Visit era.ihda.org to apply and find additional information

The Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA) program will provide homeowners impacted by COVID-19 up to $15,000 to reinstate their mortgage and prepay through 2020 or until funds are exhausted.

  • IHDA will accept applications August 24 through September 4
  • Household income must be at or below 120% Area Median Income
  • You have a past due balance or a forbearance balance that began sometime on or after March 1, 2020 due to loss of income related to COVID-19 pandemic
  • Applications will be selected by a third-party randomization service, not through first come, first served
  • Must be primary residence and mortgage balance is $425,000 or less
  • Your mortgage is in 1st lien/mortgage position
  • If approved, funds will be sent in two payments to your mortgage servicer. Approved applicants will receive an email prior to the first payment and the second payment will occur up to one month after that.
  • Visit ema.ihda.org to apply and find additional information