Berks County Emergency Rental Assistance Program Application
The Berks County Emergency Rental Assistance Program is designed to ensure housing stability by providing rental and utility payments to landlords and utility companies to keep residents in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
El Programa de Asistencia de Emergencia de Alquiler del Condado de Berks está diseñado para garantizar la estabilidad de la vivienda proporcionando pagos de alquiler y servicios públicos a los propietarios y empresas de servicios públicos para mantener a los residentes en sus hogares durante la pandemia COVID-19.
ERAP Application Update
Effective December 2022, ERAP Applications are no longer available.
As of April 2023, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program will be located at 600 Penn Street 3rd Fl Reading, PA 19602. If you have any questions, please call 484-339-0341.
Effective Nov 1, 2022
Please be advised that as of November 1, 2022, the Berks County Emergency Rental Assistance Program applications received will be handled on a priority basis. Also rent increases, security deposits, last month's rent cost will no longer be covered.
Priority status will be given as followed:
- Less than 30% AMI or unemployed for at least 90 days with a court-ordered eviction.
- Less than 30% AMI or unemployed for at least 90 days with rent arrears or utility arrears.
- 31% to 50% AMI or unemployed at least 90 days with a court-order eviction.
- 31% to 50% AMI or unemployed for at least 90 days with rent arrears or utility arrears.
- Less than 30% AMI or unemployed for at least 90 days with no rent arrears or utility arrears.
- 31% to 50% AMI or unemployed for at least 90 days with no rent arrears or utility arrears.
- 51% to 80% AMI.
*AMI: Area Median Income per household. An applicant’s total household income must be at or below the AMI of 50% per their household size.
A complete application consists of; Complete ERAP application, copy of a valid ID, copy of a valid lease, proof of income for the past 30 days (for anyone over 18), landlord contact information, Copies of most recent utility bill (only if you are also seeking utility assistance).
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at ERAPappointments@bceh.org or call and leave a message at 484-339-0341
Actualización de la Aplicación ERAP
A partir de Diciembre 2022, las aplicaciones de ERAP ya no estarán disponibles.
A partir de Abril 2023, el programa de asistencia de emergencia para el alquiler estará localizada en la 600 Penn Street 3er piso Reading, PA 19602. Si tiene alguna pregunta, llame al 484-339-0341.
a Partir del 1 de Noviembre de 2022
Tenga en cuenta que a partir del 1 de noviembre de 2022, las solicitudes del Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia del Condado de Berks recibidas se manejarán de manera prioritaria. También los aumentos de alquiler, los depósitos de seguridad, el costo del alquiler del mes pasado ya no estarán cubiertos.
El estado de prioridad se dará de la siguiente manera:
- Menos del 30% de AMI o desempleado durante al menos 90 días con un desalojo ordenado por el tribunal.
- Menos del 30% de AMI o desempleado durante al menos 90 días con atrasos en el pago de alquileres o atrasos en el pago de servicios públicos.
- 31% a 50% AMI o desempleado al menos 90 días con una orden judicial de desalojo.
- 31% a 50% AMI o desempleados durante al menos 90 días con atrasos en el pago de alquileres o atrasos en el pago de servicios públicos.
- Menos del 30% de AMI o desempleado durante al menos 90 días sin atrasos en el pago de alquileres o atrasos en el pago de servicios públicos.
- 31% a 50% AMI o desempleado durante al menos 90 días sin atrasos en el pago de alquiler o atrasos en el pago de servicios públicos
- 51% a 80% AMI.
*AMI: Ingreso medio del área por hogar. El ingreso total del hogar de un solicitante debe ser igual o inferior al AMI del 50% por el tamaño de su hogar.
Una solicitud completa consiste en; Complete la solicitud de ERAP, copia de una identificación válida, copia de un contrato de arrendamiento válido, comprobante de ingresos de los últimos 30 días (para cualquier persona mayor de 18 años), información de contacto del propietario, copias de la factura de servicios públicos más reciente (sólo si también está buscando asistencia de servicios públicos).
Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en enviarnos un correo electrónico a ERAPappointments@bceh.org o llame y deje un mensaje al 484-339-0341
Case Status Look Up
Using a tenant Case ID look up your case status on the “Case Status list” link below. Then utilize the “Case Status List Description” for an explanation of each status. This list is updated every 2 weeks and is subject to change.
Case Status Link (6/30/2023)
Búsqueda del Estado del Caso
Usando un ID de caso de inquilino, busque el estado de su caso en la "Lista de Estado del Caso" a continuación. Luego utilice la "Descripción de la Lista de Estado del Caso" para obtener una explicación de cada estado. Esta lista se actualiza cada 2 semanas y está sujeta a cambios.
Lista de Estado del Caso (6/30/2023)
ELIGIBILITY
The program is for renters who meet the following criteria due to the COVID-19 pandemic (conditions 1 or 2, and 3 and 4):
1. Qualify for PA unemployment compensation;
- OR -
2. Experienced a 20% or more reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardships;
- AND -
3. Household income at or below 80% of area median income; and
4. At risk of homelessness or housing instability
ELEGIBILIDAD
El programa es para inquilinos que cumplan con los siguientes criterios debido a la pandemia COVID-19:
1. Calificar para la compensación por desempleo de Pennsylvania;
- O -
2. Experimentó una reducción de 20% o más en los ingresos del hogar, incurrió costos significativos o experimentó otras dificultades financieras
- Y -
3. Ingresos familiares en o por debajo del 80% de los ingresos medios del área; y
4. En riesgo de falta o inestablidad de vivienda
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Eligible costs must have been incurred on or after April 1, 2020.
- Late Rent
- Monthly Rent
or
- Late Utilities
- Monthly utilities
ASISTENCIA DISPONIBLE
Los costos elegibles tienen que haberse incurrido en o después del primero de abril de 2020.
- Alquiler tardío
- Alquiler mensual
o
- Utilidades tardías
- Utilidades mensuales
THINGS YOU WILL NEED:
- An Email account you actively use
- Landlord's email
- Copy of photo ID for applicant only
- Proof of income for the most recent 30 days for ALL adult household members OR a submitted 2021 1040 tax return for ALL adult household members
- Copy of current lease
*Please communicate with your landlords the Name of the household member that submitted an application.
**If you are seeking rapid rehousing assistance, find an apartment and identify a landlord before completing this application.
Lo Que Necesitarás:
- Una cuenta de correo electrónico que usa activamente
- Correo electrónico del arrendador
- Copia de ID del aplicante solamente
- Prueba de ingresos de los últimos 30 días para TODOS los adultos del hogar O una declaración de impuestos 1040 de 2021 presentada para TODOS los miembros adultos del hogar
- Copia del lease actual
*Por favor comunique con su arrendador el nombre del miembro del hogar que sometio la aplicacion.
** Si esta buscando assistencia de rapid rehousing encuentre un apartamento e identifique el arrendador antes de someter esta aplicacion.
BCEH has transitioned to a "paper version" of the ERAP application. Please print and complete the application and attach all required documents. Applications Must be submitted in person by appointment only. We strongly recommend email as the quickest way to schedule an appointment. Please email ERAPappointments@bceh.org or call 484-339-0341 and leave a message with your name (state that you are a landlord), reason for your call & phone number. Please be sure to bring all appropriate documentation or you will need to reschedule your appointment. Applications with missing information or documentation CANNOT be accepted.
If you have already previously applied for ERAP, you SHOULD NOT fill out a new application.
A BCEH staff member will be assigned to your case and will be in contact with you or your landlord if further information is needed. You may also call 484-339-0341 regarding your existing application.
BCEH ha hecho la transición a una "versión impresa" de la aplicación ERAP. Imprima y complete la solicitud y adjunte todos los documentos requeridos. Las solicitudes deben presentarse en persona solo con cita previa. Recomendamos encarecidamente el correo electrónico como la forma más rápida de programar una cita. Envíe un correo electrónico a ERAPappointments@bceh.org o llame al 484-339-0341 y deje un mensaje con su nombre (indique que es propietario), el motivo de su llamada y el número de teléfono. Asegúrese de traer toda la documentación apropiada o tendrá que reprogramar su cita. Las solicitudes con información o documentación faltante NO pueden ser aceptadas.
Si ya ha solicitado ERAP anteriormente, NO DEBE completar una nueva solicitud.
Un miembro del personal de BCEH será asignado a su caso y se pondrá en contacto con usted o el propietario sí se necesita más información. También puede llamar al 484-339-0341 con respecto a su solicitud existente.
Reapplications are to be filled out by clients every 3 months WHEN INSTRUCTED via email. Along with the reapplication every household member 18 years and older must provide the most recent 30 days of their income. Only completed reapplications will be submitted to determine eligibility for further assistance if funding is available. If the reapplication is not received you will not receive payment, if reapplication is late you will receive a late payment. If your reapplication is 45 days past due your assistance will end.
A drop box is available at 831 Walnut Street Reading PA 19601. If you have any questions you should call 484-339-0341 and leave a message or email reapplication@bceh.org. To meet with an ERAP staff in person you must schedule an appointment by emailing ERAPappointments@bceh.org
(Reapplications must include the client's full name and case ID number.)
Las solicitudes de Re-aplicación SOLO debe ser llenada por los clientes que sean indicados a hacerlo cada 3 meses. Junto con la Re-aplicación, todos los miembros del hogar mayores de 18 años deben proporcionar los ingresos más recientes de 30 días. Solo se someterán las Re-aplicaciones completadas para determinar la elegibilidad y recibir más ayuda si hay fondos disponibles. Si la Re-aplicación no es recibida, no se hará ningún pago, si la Re-aplicación es atrasada, el pago también será atrasado. Si su nueva solicitud tiene 45 días de retraso, su asistencia finalizará.
Hay un buzón disponible en 831 Walnut Street Reading PA 19601. Si tiene alguna pregunta, debe llamar al 484-339-0341 y dejar un mensaje o correo electrónico reapplication@bceh.org Para reunirse con un personal de ERAP en persona, debe programar una cita enviando un correo electrónico a ERAPappointments@bceh.org
(Las solicitudes de Re-aplicación deben incluir el nombre completo del cliente y el número de caso).
F.A.Q.
A common place where your questions are answered.
ERAP is an emergency rental assistance program created by the U.S. Treasury Department in response to the continued adverse socioeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program was established to provide rental and utility assistance with priority funding on bringing tenants up-to-date with their landlords and/or utility companies, and provide housing stability. ERAP was designed to provide rent and utility assistance to tenant households experiencing job loss or a 20 percent loss of income as a result of the current public health crisis.
Application Start Date: March 8, 2021
Tenant Application Period: March 8 - October 4, 2021
Tenant Application Waitlist Period: October 5 - October 18, 2021
Application closed date: December 2022
A completed Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) application must include the "Tenant Application" and "Landlord Application," along with supporting documents outlined in each of the application forms.
The online tenant application for the Berks County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is available at the following website address: www.bceh.org
Note: Landlords cannot apply on behalf of their tenants.
*Please note that ERAP is no longer accepting applications
ERAP application documents and additional resources are available to the public on the website of the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness (BCEH), www.bceh.org. BCEH's physical business address, contact information, and hours of operation are listed below:
ERAP OFFICE (located within the Mapping Department, but not affiliated)
Berks County Services Center Building, 3rd floor
633 Court street
Reading, PA 19601
Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
610-372-7222
Berks Coalition to End Homelessness
831 Walnut St,
Reading, PA 19601
Phone (610) 372-7222
Fax (610) 372-7223
info@bceh.org
M-Th: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
In addition, general ERAP information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will be available on the County of Berks' website, www.co.berks.pa.us, and the Redevelopment Authority of County of Berks' website, www.co.berks.pa.us/dept/berksra.
ERAP assistance is available to residents of Berks County with incomes up to the 80 percent of area median income (AMI), and tenant households experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 based on priority listing.
Yes. A tenant applicant's total household income must be at or below the following Area Median Income (AMI) per your household size to qualify for Berks County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP):
1 PERSON 2 PERSON 3 PERSON 4 PERSON
$44,050 $50,350 $56,650 $62,900
5 PERSON 6 PERSON 7 PERSON 8 PERSON
$67,950 $73,000 $78,000 $83,050
Berks County will determine a tenant household's ERAP eligibility based on the household's monthly income at the time of application, as calculated by the Federal 1040 Tax Form. Tenant households must provide acceptable evidence of monthly income documentation.
To determine monthly income, tenant households must provide income source documentation (e.g., wage statement, pay stubs, bank direct deposit of employer income earned, interest statement, unemployment compensation statement, first two pages of a completed and filed 2020 IRS 1040 along with supporting documents, etc.). If an applicant qualifies based on monthly income, the Berks County ERAP must redetermine the household income eligibility every three (3) months for the duration of ERAP assistance.
No. Tenant applicants will be expected to attest that they have either (i) qualified for unemployment benefits or (ii) experienced a 20% reduction in income, and incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19 that threaten the household's ability to pay the costs of the rental property when due.
In addition, tenant applicants will certify a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which may include past due rent, utility bill notices, and eviction notices, and be at or below 80% ami for their household size.
The maximum rent amount available monthly per tenant household is based on the rent amount listed in the "Lease Agreement" or "Room Rent Agreement" between the landlord and primary tenant(s). Moreover, the maximum amount that is available for utilities is $750 per month. ERAP funds for rent and utilities are limited to a 3 to 12-month maximum dependent upon client rental arrears.
Funds will be provided directly to the landlord and/or utility company(ies) on behalf of the tenant(s).
The Berks Coalition to End Homelessness (BCEH) is the county-designated organization that will notify applicants via email and/or mail correspondence of their approval decision.
Berks County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will allow a tenant household to receive up to 3-12 months of total assistance for rent arrears, rent or utility arrears, and utilities and late fees/fines associated with either. Therefore, tenants must apply and request the rent or utility assistance they need to become current with their landlord and/or utility company(ies).
Yes. Berks County's ERAP application and documents will be provided in English and Spanish. The ERAP will provide support for other language speakers upon request.
The ERAP payment will pay the balance of each month's rent owed. No more than 100% of the monthly rent may be paid with ERAP funds.
Tenant/s and landlord/s will need to provide the following information and supporting documentation as part of the ERAP application process:
Tenant Data Required
- tenant applicant name(s) and other persons in the household
- complete home address of the tenant household
- email address of the tenant applicant
- telephone number of the tenant applicant
- photo identification (e.g., Pennsylvania Driver's License, State-Issued identification card, U.S. Passport, U.S. Naturalization documentation, Employee ID Card, etc.)
- amount of rent assistance the tenant applicant owes and/or needs, and requested by month/s (12 months of rental assistance benefits maximum)
- tenant household's total utilities (electric, natural gas, propane gas, water, sewer, trash removal)
- total amount of utility bill assistance the tenant owes and/or needs, and requested by month/s ($750/month and 12 months of total utility assistance benefits maximum)
- Lease Agreement to upload with the tenant application
- monthly household income to upload with tenant application (e.g., wage statement, pay stubs, bank direct deposit of employer income earned, interest statement, unemployment compensation statement, etc.) of all adults within household
- "Duplication of Benefits" attestation (located within the application)
- Gender, race, and ethnicity for the primary applicant of ERAP assistance
Utility Company Data Required
- tenant's current bill with amount owed (to be added with tenant application)
Landlord and/or Company Data Required
- landlord verification of tenant's rent amount and rent owed by month/s
- completed W-9 Form and voided check or electronic payment document with landlord application
Yes, but not before March 13, 2020, the date of the emergency declaration pursuant to section 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5191(b). In other words, the Berks County ERAP will determine rent and utility arrearages, rent and utility late fees and fines, and other tenant assistance requests from April 1, 2020 to December 1, 2021.
No. The Act does not prohibit the enrollment of households for current and future rent assistance. However, the Act does provide priority status for tenants who are late with their rent payments to reduce rental arrears. ERAP funds must be provided before current and future rental benefits may be approved. Also, the Act also provides a limitation on current and future rent benefits to three (3) months at one time.
Yes, but ERAP payments to an eligible household must not be duplicative of any other federally-funded rental assistance program. An eligible household that occupies a federally-subsidized residential or mixed-use property may receive ERA assistance, provided that ERA funds are not applied to costs that have been or will be reimbursed under any other federal assistance program.
Yes. Berks County ERAP does not need to provide assistance with respect to rent in order to provide assistance for utilities.
No. The Act requires that ERAP assistance be provided only to households that are obligated to pay rent on a residential property.
The ERAP application does not ask renters to disclose their legal residency status.
Yes. Berks County ERAP does not need to provide assistance with respect to rent in order to provide assistance for utilities.
Yes, however there is priority status for those who have received a court-ordered eviction notice, 10-day notice to quit, collecting unemployment compensation, or has a household income below 50% AMI.
Yes.
No, because the household income must be less than the 80 percent area median (AMI) criterion.
No, because the household income must be less than the 80 percent area median (AMI) criterion.
Yes. Tenant applicants are expected to have an email account, or open and activate a FREE email account with their preferred email provider (e.g., Gmail via Google, Yahoo) to apply for the ERAP.
Yes. Either rent or utilities anywhere between 3 - 12 months in ERAP benefits may be approved and provided for rent or utility bill payments dependent upon arrearages if any.
Late fee's accrued due to a tenant submitting a late reapplication for ERAP and as such resulting in a late payment will be the responsibility of the tenant.
No.
- Child support
- Any income from members of the household under the age of 18
- Alimony payments
Yes, ERAP will only cover late fees that are clearly stated in the lease contract. ERAP will ONLY cover late fees that are no more than 10% of the monthly rent (regardless if the amount stated on lease is greater). The late fee amount can only be charged once for each month of late rent.
Late fee's accrued due to a tenant submitting a late reapplication for ERAP and as such resulting in a late payment will be the responsibility of the tenant.
No
Yes. The Berks County ERAP will be working collaboratively with a number of organizations and social service agencies to assist tenants and landlords in different geographic parts of Berks County to apply for ERAP funds. Please refer to the BCEH website for a current listing of program partners that can assist you with completing your application.
- Child support
- Any income from members of the household under the age of 18
- Alimony payments
Yes, tenants must live at the property at the time of approval & payment disbursement in order to receive ERAP funds.
Funds cannot be paid to landlords for previous rental contracts where the applicant no longer resides.
All reapplications are due on the 1st of the month according to your reapplication schedule. You have 14 days to submit your reapplication to be considered on time.
Reapplications turned in 15-45 days from the date it is due are considered late and as such receive late payments. Any additional late fees accrued as a result of a late reapplication will be the responsibility of the tenant.
Reapplications submitted after the 45th day will no longer be eligible for any ERAP funding and their assistance will end.
Tenants must report any changes to their application to the ERAP team within 30 days.
- Change of address
- Change of landlord or property manager
- Phone number or email address
Not informing ERAP of changes or informing the ERAP office after the 30 days may result in a missed payment or in the loss of ERAP assistance. As of November 1st 2022 ERAP will no longer be covering rental increases. Any additional amounts of rent needed to be paid due to a rental increase will be the responsibility of the tenant.