The Ohio Development Services Agency is now distributing $100 million in federal funding to help low-income Ohioans who do not own their own home pay their rent, water, sewer, wastewater, electric, gas, oil, and/or trash removal bills.
Ohioans can apply for assistance with outstanding balances dating back to March 13, 2020, assistance for future rent/utility payments once back bills have been made current, and assistance for future rent and utility assistance for three months at a time.
Eligible Ohio households must:
- Be at or below 80% of their county’s Area Median Income (varies by county and size of household);
- Have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; and
- Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
The funding, which was approved by the Ohio Controlling Board for distribution, will be divided among Ohio’s 47 Community Action Agencies. Ohioans can apply for assistance by contacting their local Community Action Agency. A list of agencies can be found at businesshelp.ohio.gov under Home Relief Grants.
