FY2027 EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ERAP) APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING OPENS DECEMBER 3, 2026 AT NOON.
Beginning December 3, 2026 at noon, residents can schedule an appointment to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
***CHECK BACK ON DECEMBER 3, 2026 AT NOON FOR A LINK TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT.***
ERAP is one of several homelessness prevention and diversion programs homelessness prevention and diversion programs that DHS uses to support residents facing housing instability. Other key programs include the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP), Project Reconnect, and DC Flex.
We know that more people will attempt to schedule an ERAP appointment than we will have available. If you are currently experiencing housing instability, or have fallen behind on your rent, you should not wait for ERAP to become available before seeking assistance. You have other options.
First, we recommend that you negotiate with your landlord to get caught up on your back rent. If you are a household with a minor child, you should contact Virginia Williams to discuss supports you may be eligible for, including HPP; if you are an individual without children, you should reach out to Project Reconnect.
Due to the limited program resources available, ERAP appointment scheduling for FY27 will remain open only until we receive the number of appointment requests that can be supported with available program funds. Once that point is reached, DHS will close appointment scheduling. This is intended to ensure that resources are allocated as effectively and equitably as possible.
FY27 ERAP Appointment Scheduling Process:
- ERAP appointment scheduling will open on December 3, 2026 at noon.
- Requirements to Schedule an Appointment Online: The online ERAP Portal (erap.dhs.dc.gov) is the best way for residents to schedule an ERAP appointment. Residents with access to the internet are strongly encouraged apply online.
- Create an Account: To schedule the appointment online, a resident must have an account on the ERAP Portal. If they do not, they can visit erap.dhs.dc.gov and register at any time. Residents will log in to the ERAP Portal using the username and password they created during registration. The resident will enter the verification code they receive via email. DHS recommends registering BEFORE appointment scheduling day.
-
Appointment Scheduling Day (12/3):
Residents will log in, navigate to the “Apply for Rental Assistance” page, and click the link to schedule an appointment. Residents will view available days and times and pick one that works for them. They will enter a phone number (preferably a cell phone so they can get text updates). Residents should review their selection carefully, because once an appointment is scheduled, it cannot be rescheduled or canceled.
-
Waiting Room Feature:
The ERAP Portal can support a maximum of 800 concurrent users logged in at the same time. The District’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) alongside DHS’s Office of Information Systems (OIS) will conduct load, performance and manual testing to ensure all security features are met. Once this limit is reached, a waiting room feature will automatically activate, preventing additional users from accessing the system until space becomes available. This ensures system stability and maintains a smooth experience for users already logged in.
- ERAP Hotline: For residents who cannot access the ERAP Portal online, they can call the ERAP Hotline at 202-507-6666 to schedule an appointment with a representative. Wait times will vary depending on call volume.
- In-Person Option: DHS will hold an in person appointment scheduling event on December 3, 2026, at the UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus (formerly the Bertie Backus Campus) located at 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE, from 12:00 PM to 4:15 PM. This event is intended specifically for residents who need assistance scheduling an ERAP appointment (e.g., residents with no computer or phone access, or residents with a medical issue or other special situation or circumstance that prevents them from making an appointment online or by phone.).
ERAP Eligibility Requirements: To meet the basic eligibility requirements for ERAP, applicants must be a DC resident, at least 30 days behind in rent for applicants applying for back rental assistance, or have a need for security deposit and first month’s rent assistance, and the household needs to be under the income limits. Applicants also need to provide proof of an emergency.
For more information about ERAP eligibility, the application process, or other options, residents can visit the Frequently Asked Questions webpage on the ERAP Portal or call the ERAP Hotline at 202-507-6666.