Travis County’s Health and Human Services Department announced the Emergency Rental Assistance Program’s (ERAP) online application portal will stop accepting new applications after 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2021. Sunday is also the last day to drop off paper applications at drop boxes located at Community Centers.
As of December 1, 2021, ERAP has dispersed $10,172,676.49 in assistance to 2,823 Travis County households since its launch in April 2021. Based on the rate of applications received, the program expects to expend all available remaining funds.
Applications currently under review will continue to be evaluated for eligibility until all remaining funds are dispersed. The online portal will only remain open for those applications under review, so the applicants can submit requested documents.
The ERAP program was funded through grants from the federal government as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act.
Travis County’s ERAP program prioritized providing assistance to families living in Travis County, but outside the City of Austin, who were at risk of being evicted due to financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ERAP provided $10,172,676.49 in rental assistance to 2,823 households
- Each household received $3,187.64 on average
- Income levels of assistance recipients included:
- 1,593 households below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- 405 households between 30% and 50% of AMI
“Our rental assistance program was able to help thousands of Travis County families stay in their homes,” said Sherri Fleming, County Executive for Health and Human Services. “Travis County understands that there is still need for rental assistance in the community, and staff is working on identifying additional sources of funding. If more funding becomes available, we stand ready to resume providing assistance to families most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Renters needing assistance after December 5, 2021, may contact Texas 211, a free social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Renters can call 211 or (877) 541-7905 or go to www.211texas.org
