COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) has Launched!
A new Housing Assistance program by Minnesota Housing is available for Minnesota residents who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 and are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage. The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) is now accepting applications.
Please review the following information to see if you are eligible to apply and to learn more about how the program works.
What is the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program?
The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program provides housing assistance payments to help prevent eviction, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners. Local administrators will review applications from individuals and families requesting assistance, verify eligibility, and process payments for eligible expenses on behalf of households.
Am I eligible to apply?
To qualify for housing assistance, households must meet all of the criteria listed below:
Be a Minnesota resident.
Be a renter or homeowner with an income at or below 300% of federal poverty guidelines, with a preference for those at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. To see if your income qualifies, please see the FY 2020 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Have a past due housing-related expense incurred after March 1, 2020. Housing assistance funds can only be used for eligible expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020.
Be unable to make the payment(s) owed because of the public health emergency due to unemployment, illness, or another COVID-19 related issue.
If you currently receive rental assistance that adjusts with income (i.e. Housing Choice voucher, project-based assistance, or another form of state or federal rental assistance), you are generally not eligible to apply for rental assistance in the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program. You may still apply for assistance with eligible utility expenses.
Households with a federally backed mortgage covered under the CARES Act may not be eligible for assistance. If you have a federally backed mortgage covered under the CARES Act (includes loans from such agencies as the Federal Housing Administration, Veteran’s Administration, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac), you will be required to contact your mortgage servicer to obtain a special forbearance, a loan modification, and/or set up a repayment plan. For more information, visit www.consumerfinance.gov.
What expenses may be eligible for assistance?
Funds can only be used for expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020 pursuant to the CARES Act.
If needed to maintain housing security, avoid displacement, and are past their due date, eligible expenses may include:
Rent & Mortgage payments
Contract for deed payments
Manufactured home park lot rents and manufactured home payments
Utility payments
Association fees
All applicants must provide the following documentation and/or evidence:
Household income
Type and amount of assistance needed
Verification of an eligible housing-related expense that is past due (Past Due Rent statement, Letter from Landlord, Utility expense, etc.)
I think I'm eligible for this program. What is the application process?
Call CLUES to review requirements and apply!CLUES CHAP Rapid Response Line 651-243-0688
For more information about this program follow the link.
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