Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Programs Have Ended, Other Financial Assistance Is Still Available to Income-Eligible Californians

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Federal unemployment benefits ended on September 4, but state officials are reminding Californians impacted by COVID-19 that other types of assistance are still available. Income-eligible renters and their landlords who have unpaid rent or utilities, or who need help with future rent, are encouraged to visit HousingIsKey.com or call 833-430-2122 for more information and to apply.

The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program is funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury, which allocated $5.2 billion to help California renters struggling to pay rent and/or utilities due to COVID-19. Assistance helps renters stay housed by covering 100 percent of their unpaid rent and utilities, dating back to April 2020, and also provides direct financial support to landlords who have renters struggling to pay rent due to COVID-19.

Applications to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program will continue to be accepted until funds are exhausted, although applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as California’s eviction protections will end on September 30. Applicant information is private and won’t be shared between landlord and tenant, and applicants will not be asked about immigration status, or asked to provide proof of citizenship.

Applicants who need assistance in another language, verifying eligibility, help filling out an application or uploading paperwork can schedule an appointment with a local community organization by calling 833-687-0967, or by visiting the “Get Help” tab at HousingIsKey.com.

In addition to rent relief, income-eligible Californians can also get assistance through other State of California programs, including CalFresh (GetCalFresh.org) and Covered California (CoveredCA.com). Assistance from these programs does not affect eligibility for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

For more information or to apply for rent relief, visit HousingIsKey.com or call the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center at 833-430-2122 (toll free) daily between 7 am and 7 pm.