Arizona to distribute $289M in federal COVID aid to renters in 12 counties
Feb 9, 2021, 10:29 AM
(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
PHOENIX – The state of Arizona will distribute $289 million in federal aid to help people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic pay their rent and utilities in 12 rural Arizona counties, Gov. Doug Ducey announced Tuesday.
The funding comes from the U.S. Treasury Department’s $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which was part of the relief package passed by Congress in December 2020.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security will launch a portal for applications on Feb. 23.
“Households across the state continue to face economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are pleased to be able to provide this new assistance program alongside the other services we have to offer at DES,” Director Michael Wisehart said in a press release.
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“We will work quickly and diligently to provide rental and utility assistance to those in need.”
The state-run program is for renters in the following counties: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Navajo, Santa Cruz, Pinal, Mohave and Yavapai.
Arizona’s three other counties – Maricopa, Pima and Yuma – aren’t included because they received direct federal payments for their own assistance programs.
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Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson also received federal funding for local assistance programs.
In total, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program provided $492 million for Arizona jurisdictions.
In the state program, renters can apply for up to $3,500 per month per household for rent and utility assistance. In addition, landlords can seek up to $500 for court and attorney costs for each rental unit.
Applicants must provide proof of hardship and other documentation to qualify. Details about eligibility and the application process are available on the DES website.
