Assistance available for renters and homeowners affected by COVID-19 economic slowdown

Scranton, July 2, 2020: Lackawanna County has been approved to distribute $2.9 million for rent and mortgage relief to renters and homeowners who were affected by the economic slowdown due to COVID-19. With the moratorium on evictions set to expire on July 10, it is strongly recommended that those affected take advantage of this funding opportunity.

This allocation is part of $175 million in the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding Pennsylvania received to assist those who are struggling to pay rent or make mortgage payments because of the COVID-19.

>Renters who qualify for the Rent Relief Program can receive assistance up to $750 in monthly rent payments for a maximum of six months between March 1 and November 30, 2020.

Homeowners who qualify for the Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program can receive up to $1,000 a month for a maximum period of six months.

In order to qualify for the assistance, renters and homeowners must be able to show that they experienced at least a 30% reduction in annual income or unemployed since March 1 due to COVID-19. In addition, household income cannot exceed 100% of the Area Median Income in Lackawanna County, adjusted for household size.

Median Income information, instructions, and applications and other information for CARES financial assistance for renters and homeowners are available now through a link on the Lackawanna County Website and on the red CARES banner on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s website. Application submissions can begin July 6. A dedicated email, rentandmortgagerelief@lackawannacounty.org has been established to accept completed application packets.