Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) is open to applications from all Vermonters with a residential rental obligation. Funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), the program covers up to 100% of rent and utilities for eligible applicants for up to 18 months.
The assistance, administered through the Vermont Housing Authority (VSHA), will help alleviate COVID-19-related income pressure on tenants and landlords and help restore stability to rental communities.
VERAP can be used to help with future rent payments, future utility payments, and late rent and utility bills. The program can also provide financial assistance for transportation costs and repairs necessary to maintain a safe and healthy living environment.
This is not a low income housing program. We have a wide range of eligibility to help Vermonters facing financial hardship due to the effects of the pandemic.
Eligibility criteria include household members who are eligible for unemployment benefits, experienced a decrease in household income, incurred significant expenses, or experienced other financial hardship during the COVID-19 outbreak . Applicants must have a household income of 80% or less of the Regional Median Income (AMI).
As part of our commitment to community engagement, VERAP representatives will host free in-person events statewide. The event is open to anyone seeking to start, complete, or recertify an application. Information about upcoming events can be found here.
To complete the application, attendees will need to submit 2020/2021 tax returns, proof of wages for 2020/2021, or annual benefit notices from government agencies for the period after January 1, 2020, etc. , must bring proof of annual household income. Applicants can also: Use proof of your monthly income, such as a payslip, payslip, benefits slip, or employer certificate.
Applicants must also provide a rental agreement or certificate from the landlord. Those who do not have this document must bring a recent utility bill that can be used to establish their residence. Applicants will also need social security numbers for everyone in the household and the legal name of the landlord.
For more information, please contact VERAP Outreach Director Dennis Magnasco, dennis.magnasco@partner.vermont.gov or anna.reilly@partner.vermont.gov.
August 9, 2022
