The Department of Workforce Services, along with funding partners Salt Lake, Davis and Utah counties and Salt Lake City, has launched a new online application for Emergency Rental Assistance. The program was launched on Monday.

“For families facing economic uncertainty, there’s nothing more important than knowing that they can remain in their home,” said Casey Cameron, Department of Workforce Services executive director, in a release. “Emergency Rental Assistance can provide that essential support to cover rent, fees, utilities and more to help renters maintain stable housing.”

Previously, renters applied through local community action program agencies, but renters from anywhere in the state can now apply for assistance online at rentrelief.utah.gov. The program is offering $215 million in rental assistance.

Renters are eligible if they have combined household income at or below 80% of area median income, have qualified for unemployment, experienced a reduction in income or incurred significant costs due to the pandemic and are experiencing housing instability. Applicants may be prioritized and expedited if they have been unemployed for at least 90 days, or are at or below 50% of area median income.

Before applying, applicants should gather documentation that will help the process go smoothly, including their full lease agreement, landlord contact information, a ledger showing outstanding rent and fees, income certification documents, past-due bills and eviction notice, if applicable. Visit rentrelief.utah.gov for more information.

Utah began providing rental assistance in May 2020, to keep Utah residents in their homes during the pandemic, despite job loss or other financial impacts. Approximately $25 million in rental assistance was paid through December 2020. Congress then created the Emergency Rental Assistance program to provide rental assistance through Dec. 31, 2021. While awaiting program guidance and funding from the Department of the Treasury, Utah utilized existing funds to continue paying rental assistance during January and February 2021.