Individuals and families in Chester County who are facing challenges in paying rent and utility bills during the pandemic can receive help through the Chester County Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program.
Rent and utility assistance is available to individuals and families in Chester County who are obligated to pay rent and who:
- Qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship, directly or indirectly, during COVID-19
- Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
- Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median (Family of 1 = $52,950; Family of 4 = $75,600)
Service shall be prioritized to eligible applicants, including:
- Households with individual(s) that have been unemployed for the 90 days prior to application for assistance and households with income at or below 50 percent of the area median.
- Households with housing- and utility-related arrears that could result in imminent eviction or utility shut-off.
Those who are eligible can use the emergency rent and utility funding to pay for outstanding rent, electricity, gas, water and sewer; and energy costs such as fuel oil or propane.
To apply for funding, residents should call 2-1-1:
- Press 2 for Homelessness and Housing Crisis
- Press 2 for Chester County
- Press 2 for Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Please visit here for program resources, including applicant checklists, flyers, and frequently asked questions.
In need of a referral for accessing services or other resources in Chester County? Please call 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance that is available 24/7.
