FY2026 EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AVAILABILITY
Beginning November 20, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., residents may schedule an appointment to apply for ERAP by calling 202-507-6666 or by visiting the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC).
Applications by Appointment Only: DHS is transitioning to an appointment-based scheduling system.
District residents will now be able to call 202-507-6666 to schedule an appointment. This change allows the program to accept and process applications from residents who meet eligibility requirements at the time of their appointment. It also enables the program to provide real-time updates on funding availability, helping us anticipate when funds may be depleted and inform clients before their application is submitted. By implementing this approach, we also expect a reduction in the number of appeals.
Appointment Scheduling: DHS will pause ERAP appointment scheduling periodically to process applications. Additional appointments may be scheduled based on budget availability.
This change is designed to increase transparency, improve the eligibility and payment processing timeline, and provide applicants with up-to-date information on funding availability.
Requirements to Submit an Application:
- Proof of Residency (lease, letter from landlord).
- Photo ID for all adults in household (current government-issued ID such as driver’s license, passport).
- Proof of Income for last 30 days (paystubs, SSI, SSDI, unemployment benefits, retirement, child support, TANF). If you don’t have income, you would need to sign a Zero Income Statement.
- Proof of Resources or Benefits (bank statement from the last 30 days for all accounts, SNAP).
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Proof of Emergency
- Temporary job loss (termination letter, unemployment statement)
- Income loss related to certain pandemics (medical documentation)
- Medical emergency resulting in unforeseen medical expenses for self or as a caregiver (medical documentation)
- Lost or reduced employment (termination letter, change in pay documentation)
- Increased expenses (car repair expense that prevented travel to employment/job)
- Reduced income due to change in household composition (death in family, updated lease with household change)
If applying for First Month/Security Deposit:
- Proof of Rental Agreement such as an approval notice for the new unit you applied for.
- Documentation of Need for Assistance such as homelessness verification, notice of eviction or voucher for new unit.
Additional documents may be requested throughout the application process.
Click here to learn more about the documents needed to submit a complete ERAP application.
Please Note: Submitting an application does not guarantee funding. All applications will be reviewed to ensure they include the required documentation and confirm that a qualifying emergency has occurred.
Housing Provider Portal: DHS introduced a new housing provider portal to help improve the ERAP application process. The portal allows housing providers to upload their documentation including business licenses, updated rent ledgers, and other required documents needed to complete the eligibility review. Housing providers are notified via email with a time-sensitive link as soon as residents have successfully submitted their applications.