State Announces Program To Provide Emergency Help With Rent, Utility Payments

CALL 211 INFO LINE and press #3 and #1 if you are homeless or in a housing emergency.

HARTFORD — The following information is from a press release.

State Rep. Kara Rochelle is encouraging residents in need of rental and utility assistance to apply for aid through Connecticut’s new UniteCT program, a state program that provides rental and utility assistance to qualifying Connecticut households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualifying applicants can receive up to $10,000 in rental assistance and up to $1,500 in electric utility arrearage payments, which will be sent directly to landlords and utility companies on behalf of approved tenants.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for thousands of families in our community who have been having a hard time keeping up. This program will provide vital relief for households that are struggling to pay their rent while also putting food on their table, paying for transportation, health care, and other basic items,” said Rep. Rochelle. I am pleased to see this funding is being made available to directly help residents and want to encourage all who are seeking to catch up on rent payments and their utility bills to apply.”

Rochelle represents Ansonia and Derby in the state House of Representatives.

UniteCT is funded through the recently-passed American Rescue Plan and the December federal stimulus package.

Homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage or facing foreclosure proceedings should also consider the resources available through the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Last month, the Biden-Harris administration announced an extended opportunity to apply for up to 18 months of mortgage payment forbearance through programs Congress created in the CARES Act.

Additional information and the UniteCT application are available on the Connecticut Department of Housing’s website at ct.gov/doh. Individuals can also call 1 – 844-UniteCT (1 – 844-864‑8328) with questions and for assistance completing the application.