Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) is accepting applications from all Vermonters with a residential rental obligation. The Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), covers up to 100% of eligible applicants' rent and utilities for up to 18 months.
Assistance is administered through the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) to help alleviate COVID-19-related income pressure on tenants and landlords and restore stability to the rental community.
VERAP can be used to assist with future rent payments, future utility payments, as well as rental and utility arrearages. The program can also provide financial assistance for moving costs and repairs necessary to maintain a safe and healthy living environment.
This is not a low-income housing program. There is broad eligibility to assist Vermonters facing financial hardship due to the impacts of the pandemic.
Eligibility criteria include a household member who has qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during the COVID-19 outbreak. Applicants must have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
As part of its community engagement efforts, VERAP representatives will be hosting free in-person events throughout the state. Events are open to anyone seeking to start, complete, or recertify an application. Information about upcoming events can be found here.
To complete an application attendees should bring proof of annual household income, such as 2020/2021 tax filings, proof of wages for 2020/2021, or an annual benefits letter from a government agency for the period after January 1, 2020. Applicants can also use proof of monthly income, such as pay stubs, a wage statement, benefits statement, or employer attestation.
Applicants will also need to provide their rental agreement or a letter of attestation from their landlord. Anyone without this documentation should bring a recent utility bill which can be used to establish their residence. Applicants will also need the Social Security Number(s) of all household members and the legal name of their landlord.
For more information, please contact Dennis Magnasco, VERAP Outreach Director, [email protected] or [email protected].
VERAP 8.9.2022
