The State of Georgia received $552 million from U.S. Treasury's Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide relief to individuals, families, and landlords whose finances have been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will administer the State of Georgia Rental Assistance Program (GRA), and the online portal to determine eligibility and submit applications is now available.   

GRA offers financial assistance to eligible tenants, their landlords, and utility providers to cover activities including rent arrears, current and future rent payments, and utility arrears payments. It does not assist with mortgage payments. Payment will be made directly to the landlords and utility providers. Payments generally may not exceed 12 months, but some households may qualify for a total of 15 months under certain circumstances.    

GRA can serve renter households in Georgia who meet the following conditions: 

• Qualified for unemployment benefits OR experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19  

• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability  

• Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to: 1) households below 50 percent of the AMI, or 2) households with one or more individuals who have been unemployed 90 days or longer at the time of application    

 The CDC Eviction Moratorium has been extended until March 31, meaning that no one should be evicted solely for non-payment of rent until that date. Visit GeorgiaLegalAid.org for more information.  

To determine GRA eligibility and apply, visit GeorgiaRentalAssistance.ga.gov.