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Orange County offers financial aid for struggling renters. Here’s who qualifies this time

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Those struggling to pay rent in Orange County have another chance to get the help they need.

Officials launched Phase Two of the county’s income-based Emergency Rental Assistance Program Saturday morning with new flexible qualifications that may allow more renters to apply.

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Click here to visit Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program website.

Phase One of the program required proof of financial hardship due to COVID-19. This time, households experiencing financial hardship during COVID-19 are now eligible for funding.

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Other key differences in Phase Two include:

  • Residents are eligible for up to 18 months of assistance inclusive of 15 months allowed in phase one of all federally funded Emergency Rental Assistance Programs.
  • Gives priority to households with minor children, first-time applicants or applicants who have received less than 10 months of rental assistance.

Orange County said it plans to provide an additional $13.5 million in rental assistance to keep at-risk families in their homes.

Tenants must also show documentation that they are at least one month behind on rent or have received a rental increase above 10% of their base rent.

Income restrictions also determine eligibility for financial aid. For a single renter, their household income must not exceed $46,480.

See Orange County’s website for qualifying household incomes.


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