Seniors offered Free Rental Assistance

Seniors over the age of 60 who are having an emergency situation and cannot pay rent may be eligible for assistance through a statewide program. The Emergency Rental Assistance program has $250,000 to give away to people who qualify between now and June 30, 2014. Lieutenant Governor Glenn McConnell announces that applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance program, which is administered through the S.C. Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging, are now available. The Emergency Rental Assistance program is funded through the South Carolina Housing and Finance Development Authority and assists low-income seniors age 60 and older. The program cannot provide long-term housing assistance, but it can help seniors get through a “rough time” by providing funding for rent that will be sent directly to the property owner or landlord.  To be eligible for Emergency Rental Assistance, an applicant must be 60 years of age or older, rent or lease the residence in the state of South Carolina, have a gross household income at or below 150% of the current HHS Poverty Guidelines and be financially able to meet normal rental obligations after the emergency situation has passed.  The need for assistance must be due to an emergency situation that is unexpected or temporary and can be resolved. This means that routinely not having enough money to pay regular bills is not an emergency and will not be considered unless there is a pending, expected change, such as Social Security/SSI payments starting or increasing, moving to a less expensive home, an adult child or roommate moving in to help with finances, or an increase in income. The application for Emergency Rental Assistance is a simple two-page form that must be accompanied by a copy of a photo ID or Driver’s License and proof of income. Also included in the application package is a W-9 form and Landlord Verification form that must be completed by the landlord or property manager. Applications are available on the Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging website, www.aging.sc.gov.