Quick answer: The federal Emergency Rental Assistance program (ERA1 and ERA2) has ended — the period of performance for ERA2 awards ended on September 30, 2025, and there is no federal ERA application anywhere in 2026. Emergency rent and utility help is now state and local. Start with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s find-help portal, and call 211 or visit 211.org for programs near you.
Key takeaways
- Federal ERA has ended; ERA2’s period of performance ended September 30, 2025.
- There is no federal ERA application — help now comes from state, local, tribal, and nonprofit programs.
- The CFPB maintains an official directory to find rent and utility help near you.
- Dial 211 or visit 211.org for free local referrals.
- LIHEAP, SNAP, and TANF can ease overall household costs while you look for rent help.
What changed by 2026
During the pandemic, Congress funded two large federal programs — Emergency Rental Assistance 1 and 2 (ERA1 and ERA2) — that sent money to states and localities to cover back rent and utilities. Those federal programs have now ended. The U.S. Treasury states that the period of performance for ERA2 awards has ended and that grantees may no longer use ERA2 award funds to assist renters; that performance period closed on September 30, 2025. In plain terms: there is no federal ERA program taking applications in 2026. That does not mean help has disappeared — the front door has shifted to state and local programs, nonprofits, and utility assistance. Because availability now varies widely by location, there is no single national application for emergency rent, so the fastest path is to ask a local referral service what is open in your area.
Where to turn in 2026
| Where to turn in 2026 | What it does |
|---|---|
| CFPB rent/utility portal | Official directory to find local rent and utility help |
| 211 / 211.org | Free local referrals for rent, utilities, food, and crisis aid |
| State housing agency | State/local assistance, eviction prevention, legal aid |
| Federal ERA | Ended — no federal application (ERA2 period of performance ended Sept 30, 2025) |
How to find help fast
Start with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which maintains an official directory to help renters find rent and utility assistance and understand their protections. Then use 211, a free, confidential referral service available in most of the country: call 211 or visit 211.org to be connected with local rent, utility, food, and crisis programs, and to learn what documents to gather. Next, contact your state housing agency, which often lists rental and utility assistance, eviction-prevention resources, and legal aid. These official starting points help you avoid scams and reach legitimate programs.
What emergency help can cover
Depending on the program, emergency assistance may cover past-due rent, a portion of upcoming rent, utility bills, or move-in costs like deposits. Programs typically require proof of hardship, a lease or rental agreement, and income documentation. Funds are limited and often first-come, first-served, so apply as soon as you identify a program you qualify for. If your hardship is ongoing rather than a one-time emergency, longer-term programs may fit better: learn about vouchers and public housing in our Housing Assistance 2026 Guide and check Public Housing Eligibility 2026.
Related programs that can help
Emergency rent help works best alongside other low-income programs that free up money in your budget. For home energy bills, LIHEAP can assist with heating and cooling costs. For groceries, SNAP provides monthly food benefits, and TANF offers cash assistance for eligible families. If you receive a voucher later, see the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Guide to understand how ongoing rent assistance works.
Sources
- U.S. Treasury — Emergency Rental Assistance Program (status)
- CFPB — Find Help With Rent and Utilities
- HUD — Public Housing
Last fact-check: July 29, 2026
Editorial status: Independent subject-matter review has not been completed.
[…] eligible, since the programs have separate lists. If you need help right now while you wait, see Emergency Rental Assistance Programs, and you may also qualify for SNAP, LIHEAP, or […]