COVID Assistance Programs
Due to the hardships that customers are facing because of the coronavirus pandemic, various counties are offering special grants and assistance programs to help eligible residential customers with their utility payments.
Select your state to see if additional outside financial assistance is available. We will update this page, as new programs are provided. These programs may be specific to certain counties or areas. Details are provided below.
Check back frequently for updates.
Special COVID Assistance Programs
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Ohio
Community Action Agency (CAA)
Ohioans can receive assistance with rent, mortgage, or utilities from the state of Ohio, through their local Community Action Agency. Check if you are eligible and apply at your local CAA. A list of agencies can be found on the Ohio Development Services Agency's website.
https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/home-relief-grant.html*
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
If you have been laid off or lost income during the coronavirus pandemic and recession, you might qualify for Emergency Rental Assistance. Ohioans who need assistance should contact their local Community Action Agency.
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO)*
Administered by Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) and funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Homeowner Assistance Fund
Save The Dream Ohio - Help for Homeowners*
Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) - Utilities Assistance Plus (UAP) Program
Home Relief Grant
The state of Ohio, along with local Community Action Agencies, will help Ohioans with rent, mortgage, and water and/or sewer bills. Pays bills from April 1, 2020 - November 30, 2020.
For more information:
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Pennsylvania
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program was created to help renters dealing with financial challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For eligible households, the program offers rental and utility assistance to help Pennsylvanians avoid eviction or loss of utility service.
Department of Human Services | Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program*
PA Housing Finance Agency
The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, or PAHAF, is a housing-related program funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to assist Pennsylvania homeowners facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic that began after January 21, 2020, (including a hardship that began before January 21, 2020, and continued after that date). The program will provide financial assistance to homeowners for qualified mortgage and housing-related expenses to address delinquency and avoid default, foreclosure, or displacement.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
PAHAF has paused the submission of new applications effective February 1, 2023. This is to allow adequate time for the transition of the program from a third-party vendor to PAHAF, process current applications as a priority, and determine remaining funds available prior to reopening the program. Applications completed and submitted before February 1, 2023, will continue to be processed during the program pause. -
New Jersey
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP) will provide temporary rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income or became unemployed due the COVID-19 pandemic.
Division of Housing and Community Resources*
NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) - https://njdca.onlinepha.com/*
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Maryland
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The funding can be used for rent, utilities, home energy costs, arrears, and other housing expenses resulting from the pandemic.
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West Virginia
West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF)
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New York
No additional temporary programs are currently available.
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