ByAll You Need to Know About Rental Assistance In GA
Despite a growing number of jobs and a strengthening economy, the US is facing some of the worst unemployment numbers ever recorded. Many people have lost jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. Many people are struggling to keep up with rising rental prices all over the country.
If you are experiencing financial hardship in Georgia, you may be wondering how you will possibly be able to pay rent this month. Fortunately, there are rental assistance programs in Georgia that help you pay your rent and keep a roof over your head while you work to save money. This DoNotPay guide can walk you through the and how to apply for it, as well as offer an alternative to trying to navigate this issue on your own.
What Types of Rental Assistance Does Georgia Offer?
The state of Georgia received $989 million from the US Treasury at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to help individuals, both directly and indirectly financially impacted by the pandemic, pay their rent and avoid eviction. One major program offered is through the Department of Community Affairs. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria is entitled to apply for this program.
Who Is Eligible for Rental Assistance in Georgia?
To be eligible for rental assistance in Georgia, you must:
- Qualify for unemployment benefits or have experienced financial hardship since March 13, 2020
- Be able to show your risk of housing instability
- Have a household income that does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income
Households that have experienced unemployment for over 90 days or an income below 50 percent of the area median income will be prioritized. If you meet the requirements for Georgia rental assistance, you may be able to receive up to 18 months of rental and utility assistance. The funds are allocated directly to landlords and utility providers on your behalf.
How Do I Apply for Rental Assistance in Georgia?
If you have found that you meet the eligibility requirements for rental assistance in Georgia, the next steps are to apply for the program. To do so, you must have the following items/documents:
- Valid identification, such as state ID or passport
- Proof of income for every adult in the household
- Notice of past due rent or late utilities, including landlord information and account numbers
- A copy of your lease
- Documents showing either a reduction in income, proof of financial hardship, or unemployment eligibility
After gathering these documents, you can begin the application process:
- Go to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website
- Find out if you are eligible by selecting I'm a Tenant
- Complete the pre-screening questionnaire
- Create an account
- Fill out and submit your application
While there is no specific waiting period for rental assistance in Georgia between the time you submit your application and when you will begin to receive your benefits, it can take weeks or months, depending on when and how you apply. Applying for these types of services on your own can be daunting or confusing, and an extended wait could be due to incorrectly filling out your application or not submitting the correct documents. To help you avoid frustration or disappointment during this process, DoNotPay has a Rental Assistance product that can help take the hard work out of this necessary task. By following the steps below, we can ensure that your request gets into the right hands promptly.
What’s the Easiest Way to Apply for Rental Assistance In Georgia?
Trying to apply for rental assistance on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. DoNotPay is here to make sure your rental assistance request is filed easily and successfully without needing you to do any extra work. Do you need help applying for rental assistance in Georgia but don't know where to start? We can compose a letter to your local housing authority based on your situation and inquire about your best options for receiving assistance. Here are the four steps:
- Search for Rental Assistance on DoNotPay.
- Put together a list of your income, debts, expenses, and assets. If you need help accessing information like your credit report, DoNotPay can help you get your report.
- Let DoNotPay collect your basic information and compose a letter to your local housing authority requesting rental assistance.
- Lastly, DoNotPay will send your letter to your local housing authority.
After submitting a rental assistance request, you may be wondering if you can get out of a lease and into a more affordable property. DoNotPay also offers a product that can help you determine whether you can successfully end your lease early and begin your search for a new home.
What Else Can DoNotPay Do?
Aside from rental assistance in GA, we can also assist you with the following inquiries:
In addition to helping you apply for rental assistance, DoNotPay has many services and products that can help take the tedious work out of everyday problems. A few of our services can help you:
- Sue anyone in small claims court
- Schedule DMV appointments
- Reduce your property taxes
- Help you pay bills
- Get on free trials
- Find unclaimed money
- File a complaint against any person or company
- Discover and apply for scholarships
Sign up for DoNotPay today and get rental assistance in no time!