The emergence of federal aid has helped many get through a time that is unprecedented for many Americans. One of the many programs that has been put in place to provide relief has been the Delco ERA (Emergency Rental Assistance) program which seeks to provide relief for Landlords and Tenants alike. The ERA program pays out rent for months due, as well as for several months into the future to allow tenants to get back on their feet, to compensate landlords, and to help tenants save to afford any additional upcoming rent beyond what ERA pays.
Have questions about the ERA? We’ve got answers: Contact the Law Offices of Latoison Law and our team of landlord and tenant lawyers will gladly assist you in your inquiries. Call 610-999-1439
Essentially, the ERA program “hits the reset button,” getting tenants out of the red, into the black, and into a position where both parties stand to gain some much-needed relief from financial hardship. The program is aimed at providing tenants with a chance to get current on their bills, and to accrue enough funds to afford ongoing rent after ERA aid has been exhausted for that individual applicant. When that aid is exhausted, however, it is important to note that landlords participating in the program must agree to refrain from evicting the tenant for three-months after the last month of rent assisted with DELCO ERA grant funds. Any attempt to file for eviction within that three month period will be blocked by the courts.
Does ERA Cover Utilities That Are Not Included In My Rent?
Don’t be fooled by the name, Emergency Rent Assistance does not apply to just “Rent.” In fact, tenants who qualify for ERA and who are responsible, per their lease agreement, for paying for utilities are able to obtain assistance with payment of up to three utilities from a variety of providers, inclusive of PECO, AQUA American, Chester Water Auth., Petro, and more.
How Much Can I Get/Expect to Get From Delco ERA?
Priority 1 applicants:
- Applicants whose household income is 50% or less than the Area Median Income (AMI) for a household of their size; or
- Applicants/Households with at least 1 person on unemployment with an active claim of unemployment for at least 90 days prior to registration with the program; or
- Who are facing eviction in Delaware County for non-payment of rent,
can qualify for up to 15 months of total assistance for Rent AND Utilities, which can include up to three months of future assistance. Priority 2 Applicants, any application that meets Delco ERA’s Threshold Criteria, can qualify for up to 12 months of total assistance for past-due rent and utilities.
Qualifying applicants can expect for their landlords/utility company to receive checks in as little as five days after being approved/deemed eligible.
Tenants wishing to assess whether they are a Priority 1 or 2 Applicant can consult the HUD Income Limits Chart Below.
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Very Low Income (50%) | $33,850 | $38,650 | $43,500 | $48,300 | $52,200 | $56,050 | $59,900 | $63,800 |
| Low Income (80%) | $54,150 | $61,850 | $69,600 | $77,300 | $83,500 | $89,700 | $95,900 | $102,050 |
Tenants who believe they have wrongly been denied ERA or Priority 1 Applicant status, may appeal the Delco ERA decision by submitting an Appeal form which identifies:
- Delco ERA Application ID#;
- Name;
- Address;
- Description of the Delco ERA decision they are challenging;
- A complete and concise description of the basis for disagreement with the ERA’s decision; and
- Documentation to support their claim, if any.
If you are wondering whether you should participate in the Delco ERA program, either as a landlord or tenant, or if you believe that you were wrongfully denied ERA assistance/denied status as a tier 1 applicant, contact Latoison Law, where an attorney is waiting to assist you.