Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) and HUD ESG
Emergency rental assistance programs provide help to renter households facing housing instability or the risk of homelessness. These programs are funded through federal sources, including the U.S. Department of the Treasury and HUD, and are administered by state and local agencies and nonprofits. Eligibility is based on local income and hardship rules, and availability varies by location and current funding levels. The programs are open to all renter households that meet local criteria.
Depending on the program, assistance can cover overdue or upcoming rent, utilities, and related housing costs. Payments may be made directly to landlords or utility companies. This assistance is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.
Because program availability and rules vary by location, the most reliable way to find help is through local city or county offices, by calling 211, or by using official locators maintained by HUD and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Legitimate programs never charge a fee to apply.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: U.S. Department of the Treasury — Emergency Rental Assistance Program. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for emergency rental assistance (era) and hud esg?
Renter households facing housing instability or risk of homelessness who meet local income and hardship rules; availability varies by location and funding. Open to women and men alike..
Does emergency rental assistance (era) and hud esg have to be repaid?
This is assistance (not a loan, not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for emergency rental assistance (era) and hud esg?
Find local programs through your city, county, or 211; HUD and CFPB maintain official locators.
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