I haven’t heard back about my SF ERAP application, what should I do?
Due to the high volume of applications, it may take several weeks or more to hear back about your application. In the meantime, ensure that you have all the requested documents. If you selected a specific SF ERAP provider to work with on your application, you may reach out to them to ask about the status of your application.
What do I do if I can’t afford next month’s rent?
SF ERAP will resume accepting new applications in late-2022.
SF ERAP may be able to assist with limited future rent. Apply at www.sferap.com to be screened for eligibility. You will not be asked about your future rent needs in the online application. Please complete the application anyway as you will be contacted after you have submitted the application and a full assessment of your rental assistance needs will be conducted at that time. Please note: if you have a housing subsidy in which your rent payments are determined based on your income, such as Permanent Supportive Housing or Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8, you are not eligible for future rent through SF ERAP.
What do I do if I didn’t apply to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program?
SF ERAP will resume accepting new applications in late-2022.
SF ERAP may be able to assist you with unpaid rent. Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for SF ERAP and apply at www.sferap.com.
What do I do if I applied to the CA COVID-19 Rent, but was denied assistance and my appeal was also denied?
SF ERAP will resume accepting new applications in late-2022.
SF ERAP may be able to assist you with unpaid rent. Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for SF ERAP and apply at www.sferap.com. Please note that if you have a pending application at the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program you cannot apply to SF ERAP for those same months until the State application has been denied. However, if you also have rent due from April 2022 onward, you CAN apply to SF ERAP for assistance with these months while you still have a pending application with the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program for pre-April 2022 unpaid rent.
What do I do if I’ve been waiting a really long time to get help from the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program?
SF ERAP will resume accepting new applications in late-2022.
Call the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program Call Center at 833-430-2122 or contact one of the organizations listed under ‘Get help with your rent relief application’ at https://sf.gov/information/rent-relief-resources for additional support. If you are receiving inconsistent or confusing information from the State’s Call Center, you may email Nick Pagoulatos with the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) at nick.pagoulatos@sfgov.org.
What do I do if I’ve received financial assistance from the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program and need more financial assistance, but my application is no longer active.
SF ERAP will resume accepting new applications in late-2022.
SF ERAP may be able to assist you with your remaining unpaid rent. Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for SF ERAP and apply at www.sferap.com.
What do I do if I need financial assistance to move into a rental unit?
SF ERAP will resume accepting new applications in late-2022.
Apply for move-in assistance through SF ERAP at www.sferap.com. SF ERAP can cover move-in costs requested by your landlord, such as security deposit and first/last months’ rent.
What do I do if I need utility assistance?
SF ERAP does not currently provide financial assistance for utilities, unless utilities are included in your rent. You may be eligible for assistance programs provided by PG&E or the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SF PUC).
What do I do if I’ve received eviction court papers?
Please contact the Eviction Defense Collaborative’s legal support at 415-659-9184 or legal@evictiondefense.org immediately.
What do I do if I’ve received an eviction notice?
Please contact a tenant counselor at any of the agencies listed under ‘Get help from a tenant counselor’ on the community partners page.
Am I eligible for SF ERAP?
To be eligible for assistance from SF ERAP, you must meet all the following criteria: 1) Current San Francisco resident; 2) Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income, 3) at risk of homelessness or housing instability.
Am I still eligible if I received financial assistance from another program or an earlier version of the local program?
You may still be eligible for assistance through SF ERAP for months not already covered by another program. The caseworker assigned to your SF ERAP application will help determine your eligibility.
Will SF ERAP ask about my immigration status?
No, SF ERAP serves all community members, regardless of immigration status, and assistance is not considered in a public charge determination. San Francisco is a Sanctuary City.
What proof will I need to provide SF ERAP?
SF ERAP requires verification of the following: personal identification, verification of where you live, verification of household income, verification of rent owed or move-in assistance needed. Click here for examples of acceptable documents.
What do I do if I don’t have all the required paperwork?
Please submit your SF ERAP application and the caseworker assigned to you will work with you to gather the necessary documents.
Does SF ERAP provide only one-time help?
No. You are encouraged to work with our SF ERAP providers any time you experience income and/or housing instability. SF ERAP has financial assistance limits, but could help you access other assistance, such as other financial assistance programs, legal services, employment services, etc.
What do I do if I’ve maxed out the amount of financial assistance available through SF ERAP and need additional financial assistance?
Work with the SF ERAP provider who helped you most recently to help you access other assistance. For example, you may be eligible for additional financial assistance through Season of Sharing. Click here to learn more.
Am I eligible if I am moving into San Francisco from another city or state?
Move-in assistance may be available.
Who is considered part of my 'household'?
‘Household’ refers to a single person or group of people living together who depend on the same income or share income (regardless of marital status, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity). Others living in the same home who you do not share income with (such as roommates), but who need rental assistance, should apply as separate households. Note: ‘Household’ includes children who may be temporarily away from the home because of placement in foster care.
What time period is covered by SF ERAP?
- April 2022 – Present
- March 2020 – March 2022
- Tenants are only eligible if:
- They did not apply to the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program
- They applied but were denied and their appeal was also denied
- They received rental assistance, but their application (including “Additional Fund Requests”) is no longer pending
- Tenants are only eligible if:
- Pre-March 2020
- Move-In Assistance