Emergency rental assistance program for seniors expanded

Lt. Governor André Bauer announced the Emergency Rental Assistance program administered through the Office on Aging has been expanded to assist additional seniors in South Carolina.

The Emergency Rental Assistance program, managed by the Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging (LGOA) is funded by a grant from the South Carolina Housing & Finance Development Authority that provides assistance to low-income seniors age 55 and older. The program cannot provide long-term housing assistance, but it can help seniors get through a "rough time" by providing up to $1,500.00 that will be sent directly to the property owner/landlord.

"I am excited that we were able to expand both the age range and benefit amount in the Emergency Rental Assistance program," Lt. Governor Bauer said. "It is encouraging that we can provide a hand up to seniors struggling through challenging economic times through this program. When we realized that the previous age limit of 60 was significantly limiting the effectiveness of the program, we asked the Housing Authority to loosen the restrictions. Thanks to their cooperation we will be able to make the program much more effective in reaching those in need."

To be eligible for ERA, an applicant must:

-Rent or lease his/her primary place of residence in the state of South Carolina

-Have a gross household income at or below 120% of the current HHS Poverty Guidelines

-Be 55 years of age or older

-Be financially able to meet normal rental obligations after the emergency situation has passed

The need for assistance must be due to a situation that was unexpected or temporary, and can be resolved. This means that routinely not having enough money to pay regular bills is not an emergency and will not be considered, unless there is a pending, expected change, such as Social Security/SSI payments starting or increasing, moving to a less expensive home, an adult child or roommate moving in to help with finances, an increase in income, etc. Long-term housing assistance programs are managed by regional Housing Authorities.

The application for ERA is a simple two-page form that must be accompanied by a copy of a photo ID or Driver's License and proof of income. Also included in the application package is a W-9 (Taxpayer ID) form and Verification of Assistance form that must be completed by the landlord/property manager. Detailed instructions and a checklist are provided with the application package.

Applications are available on the LGOA website www.aging.sc.gov and may be mailed or faxed directly to the LGOA though it is recommended that applicants work with and submit applications through the regional Information, Referral and Assistance specialist at their local Area Agency of Aging (AAA). These specialists will ensure applications are completed and submitted properly and they may also be able to identify additional resources or programs that are available locally.

For additional information on the Emergency Rental Assistance program please contact Leigh Bogdany in the Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging at (803) 734-9937 or toll-free at (800) 868-9095 or by e-mail at lbogdany@aging.sc.gov