News

July 12, 2021

Get Help Paying Rent and Utilities

The City of Pittsburgh received $7 million additional dollars for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to assist people impacted financially by the COVID-19 crisis. If you need assistance paying rent or utilities, read this post to learn how to request emergency rental assistance.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

In February, the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County established the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program in partnership with Action Housing and Dollar Energy after receiving federal funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The County originally received $27 million and the City $8.9 million in U.S. Treasury grants. An additional $7 million in grants will assist households having trouble paying rents and utilities related to the pandemic.

What can the funding be used for?

Assistance can last up to 12 months plus an additional three months, if necessary, to ensure housing stability. The grant funding can be used for:

    • rent,
    • rental arrears,
    • utilities,
    • utility arrears, and
    • other housing expenses resulting from the pandemic for households meeting income criteria.

Who qualifies for the program?

Individuals in Allegheny County can apply if they are a renter living in a household with:

    • at least one person who qualifies for unemployment, has lost income, or suffered financially due to COVID-19,
    • at least one person who is at risk of experiencing homelessness if they do not get help, and/or
    • a total income below 80% of the Area Median Income for Allegheny County.

Apply for the Program

To apply for assistance paying rent, utilities, or other housing expenses related to the pandemic, visit the Allegheny County Emergency Rental Assistance page. Gather the following documents before you apply to streamline your application process:

    • unemployment determination letter,
    • lease agreement,
    • utility bills,
    • W2 forms, paystubs, or award letters, and
    • social security numbers for everyone in your household.

Ask a Question

For questions about the program or eligiblity, contact ACTION-Housing at 412.248.0021 or rentalassistance@actionhousing.org. Include as many details as possible in your message.