Released: July 30, 2021
As the end of the Federal Moratorium on Evictions approaches July 31, the Delaware County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (DELCO ERA) stands ready as a vital resource to help qualified low-income renters with emergency rent and utility assistance.
Since April 1, 2021, DELCO ERA has received 7,000 applications, approved and/or funded 2,600 grants for a total of $19.5 million.
“We are grateful to the U.S. Treasury and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for their confidence in DelCo ERA with the $37 million allocated for ERA 1 and the $11.9 million down payment on ERA2,” said Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden. “Each day 50 to 60 households register for DelCo ERA. Our network of Community Partners and our investment in our production system means that DelCo ERA has the capacity to effectively serve our residents in need.
DelCo ERA can assist qualifying households with up to twelve months of back rent and utilities and up to three months of future assistance. Registration for the program is open for both tenants and landlords at www.delco-era.com.
DELCO ERA is fully equipped to move quickly to help qualifying applicants facing eviction. Tenants and landlords are strongly encouraged to register for assistance at www.delco-era.com. Applications from tenants experiencing or facing eviction are processed at the highest priority.
In an effort to support residents or landlords without access to the Internet or devices to apply, In-Person Application Intake Sessions are held every Saturday at The County’s Upper Darby Office, (20 South 69th Street, Upper Darby) on the fourth floor. Sessions are by appointment only. Call: (484) 729-4200 or Email: info@delco-era.com to schedule an appointment. Program staff are eager to serve residents in need of assistance.
Please see attached schedule of a series of in-person application intake sessions for the month of August coordinated by the Multicultural Community Family Services and the Delaware County Immigrant Coalition. Please call: (484) 729-4200 or Email: info@delco-era.com to schedule an onsite appointment.
How the program works:
DELCO ERA will pay for past due rent and utilities, and up to three months of future eligible housing/utility expenses totaling up to 15 months of assistance for qualifying applicants. Past due rent can go as far back as April 1, 2020. DELCO ERA does not pay for deposits or late fees.
No more than one application per household.
Grant funds are paid directly to the landlord/property manager and the utility company.
Funds will be distributed on a “first-come, first qualified and approved” basis until program funds are depleted.
Applicants must provide evidence of disruption and/or loss due to the COVID pandemic such as:
- Qualified for unemployment benefits during the pandemic or can attest in writing that they, or a member of their household, has experienced a reduction of income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the pandemic; and
- Can demonstrate a risk of housing instability and/or homelessness such as a past due utility, past due rent notice, or eviction notice.
Eligible applicants must earn 80% or less of the area median income (AMI) for their household size.
Applicants get highest priority for processing if the total household income is less than 50% AMI and/or households with at least one person unemployed for at least 90 days prior to the date of their full application and/or currently undergoing eviction proceedings that commenced prior to January 1st, 2021.
| HUD INCOME LIMITS 2020 DELAWARE COUNTY | ||||||||
| 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 |
Residents are encouraged to apply early as funds are limited. Application Specialists are available to assist. People with language and/or physical challenges can request assistance with application submission.
Residents can email or call for assistance:
Email: info@delco-era.com Call: (484) 729-4200