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A new rental assistance program announced by the Illinois Supreme Court this week is intended to assist housing providers and tenants negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Starting today, housing providers and tenants with a pending eviction case can apply for the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP). Approximately $60 million has been allocated exclusively for eviction court litigants who may qualify for up to 12 months of past due rent and three months of future rent. Cook County is scheduled to launch its own court-based program in early October. In addition to establishing this new program, the Illinois Supreme Court has instituted a new rule requiring housing providers who file an eviction complaint to attach to their summons a form notice to tenants of potential relief programs available to those impacted by COVID-19. The form required is attached as an exhibit to the new rule. Housing providers are also encouraged to check with their local Circuit Clerk for copies of this form, and any other local form that may be required. Money for the program is being distributed from federal money provided to the State through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. The program will not allow tenants or housing providers to apply to the court-based program if they have already applied for rental assistance through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). Housing providers are once again reminded that they should consult with their attorney for filing requirements that may be specific to their location, as well as any conditions that may attach to relief programs should they choose to participate. |
FEMA TO HELP PAY FUNERAL COSTS FOR COVID RELATED DEATHS
In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. FEMA has announced that they will begin accepting applications for funeral assistance on Monday, April 12. The following number will be used for those applying: 844-684-6333.
To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:
Documentation Required:
In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. FEMA has announced that they will begin accepting applications for funeral assistance on Monday, April 12. The following number will be used for those applying: 844-684-6333.
To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
- If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.
- An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
- The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
- This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
- Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.
Documentation Required:
- An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the U. S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
- Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
