The Illinois Housing Development Authority announced the Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program to support Illinois tenants and homeowners unable to pay their rent or mortgage due to a COVID-19 related loss of income. Applications for the Rental Assistance Program will be accepted starting Monday, August 10th through August 21st. “It provides rental help up to $5,000 per household,” said Laun Dunn Executive Director of the United Way of Knox County. “You do have to do a qualification form. It’s all online. If you have any questions, there are helplines available.” Tenants whose application is approved will receive a one-time grant of $5,000 paid directly to their landlord to cover missed rent payments beginning March 2020 – and prepay payments through December of 2020 or until the $5,000 is exhausted. The Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program will give approved homeowners up to $15,000 to cover missed mortgage payments. That application process will open on August 24th. To apply, or for more information, visit the IHDA website.
