Polk County’s Rental and Utility Assistance program application deadline has been extended until September 30, 2021. The Board of County Commissioners allocated $17 million for the program earlier this year. This funding can provide up to $12,000 in assistance directly to landlords, property management, and utility companies on behalf of qualifying Polk County residents. Applicants must be delinquent on rent or utilities at the time of their application. Funds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis until the allocation is gone.
An “eligible household” is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria:
- A current resident of Polk County
- Qualifies for unemployment due to COVID‐19, has experienced a reduction in household income due to COVID‐19, or has incurred significant costs due to COVID‐19 or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID‐19;
- Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability (including eviction notices, utility shutoff notice, past due rent notice, past due utility notice, or any other evidence of unsafe or unhealthy living conditions or housing stability);
- Priority will be given to the tenants with income less than 50 percent of the area median income and unemployed for 90 days; and
- Has a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.
To apply click HERE
Additional information about income restrictions, the paperwork required to apply, and other program eligibility requirements can be found on the county website HERE
