As the federal eviction ban during the pandemic expires on Saturday, state and local officials urge residents to apply for federal rental assistance to avoid being evicted from their homes.

Mayor Jim Kenny Announced on Wednesday These funds can still be provided through city and state rental assistance programs for residents who are struggling to pay their bills.

“Keeping people at home and supporting landlords affected by COVID-19 has always been our top priority. The pandemic and the availability of federal funds have made the creation of this plan more urgent, feasible and scalable,” Kenny said.

President Biden Announced on Thursday In light of the rapidly spreading Delta Variant, he is pushing for an extension of the ban imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court ruled that without additional legislation, the suspension period cannot be extended beyond July 31.

Philadelphia is currently The fourth stage Its COVID-19 emergency lease and utility assistance program, which provides $97 million in assistance to eligible tenants at risk of eviction. The city stated that this is the first phase of the plan, which includes assistance paid for utilities.

Data Display Since the start of the fourth phase in April, the city has spent $127.5 million in rent and 45% of utility assistance for more than 7,500 families. Since May 2020, the city has allocated more than $122 million.

As of June 30, there is no cap on rent assistance. Previously, the city’s aid ceiling was $2,000 per month.

Philadelphia’s suspension of expulsions ended in early July. The city’s last housing safety net, Eviction transfer plan, Landlords are required to apply for rent assistance and mediation before applying for eviction, which will expire at the end of August.

Eligible tenants across the state can also get rent or utility assistance through the following methods Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

State representatives stated that more than $847 million is available for residents at the state level. Meg Snead, acting minister of the Department of Public Services, said she expects to receive another $450 million in federal aid.

As of June 30, 2021, a total of $133 million has been distributed to more than 30,500 households in the state.

How to apply for Philadelphia aid

go Start application online Rental assistance with PHL. There is currently no ceiling on monthly assistance.

To be eligible for assistance, tenants must rent an apartment or house in the city and have a household income equal to or less than 80% of the district’s median income. Priority is given to unemployed applicants or applicants whose AMI is less than 50%.

In the application, tenants must indicate that they are at risk of homelessness or housing instability, such as overdue rent, overdue utility fees, notice of eviction, or paying rent that exceeds one-third of the household’s income.

How to apply for state aid

Most Pennsylvanians can apply Online ERAP via COMPASS Or the local platform in your county.

In order to be eligible for assistance, a family must have at least one tenant who is eligible for unemployment benefits, has reduced income, increased family costs, or has experienced other types of financial difficulties. They must also prove that they are at risk of being homeless and that their income is equal to or less than 80% of the AMI.