If you were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic financially you may be eligible for up to one full year of financial assistance, with the possible extension of 3 months. The payments would be made directly to your landlords and utility companies. All past-due rent and utilities backdated to March 13, 2020 will be paid first with remaining funds available for future assistance.
The application period is open now until March 4, 2021.
Complete the short questionnaire linked below to see if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you meet these criteria, you will be guided through the application process.
During your application, you will answer some basic questions about your household income and the assistance you need for rent and/or utilities. Didn’t qualify? Learn about appeals.
Once your application is accepted, your relief specialist will provide guidance about specific documents needed to verify your application.
To qualify for Alaska Housing Rent Relief, there is a maximum household income level which varies, depending on where you live. You are asked you to provide your household income so that we can determine if you are eligible for rent and/or utility relief. Many Alaskans think they probably make too much money to qualify. But it’s over $77k a year or $6K a month in Anchorage, for example, so if you haven’t already, be sure to check!
The absolute best way to find out if you’re eligible for aid is to fill out an application.
Alaska Housing Rent Relief is made possible because of the FY2021 Omnibus and COVID Relief and Response Act passed by Congress and signed into law at year-end 2020, and the authority granted us through Legislative Budget & Audit Committee. Of the $25 billion appropriated nationally for this purpose, $200 million was made available to Alaska. AHFC is administering the program not only for the State of Alaska but also on behalf of the Municipality of Anchorage and Cook Inlet Housing Authority that received funds as part of an allocation set aside for tribes.
We recognize the need for mortgage relief but that use is not permitted under the legislation. Congress is currently debating another relief package that may include assistance for homeowners and if that materializes, AHFC stands ready to implement the program for the state.
Funding has been allocated to help renters at 80% of Area Median Income who were financially impacted by the global pandemic. There are also opportunities for those who are at increased risk of domestic violence/sexual assault or who live in an overcrowded household. The deadline for Alaskans to submit an application is Friday, March 5 at 11:59 p.m. We encourage them to check their eligibility and learn more at AlaskaHousingRelief.org or by texting the word “relief” or calling toll-free, 1-833-440-0420.
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