Building on Illinois’ COVID-19 support response for Illinois renters and landlords, the Illinois Housing Development Authority announced that applications are now open for the second round of the Illinois Rental Payment (ILRPP) program. The reopening of ILRPP will provide an additional $297 million to renters and landlords in an effort to prevent evictions and keep families safe and secure while they regain their financial footing. It is the third major housing relief initiative in response to the pandemic in Illinois, with the state executing the nation’s best assistance program in 2020. Applications will be accepted beginning through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, at illinoishousinghelp.org. IHDA will begin processing applications as they are submitted, and money from this round will begin to be distributed to approve Illinoisans before the end of the calendar year. The additional ILRPP funding is expected to assist more than 32,500 Illinois households. Tenant eligibility requirements:

• Household lives in Illinois and rents their home as their primary residence.

• Household must have experienced a financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the pandemic.

• Household income is below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), adjusted for household size. 

• Household must have an unpaid rent balance.

• Proof of citizenship is not required. Rental assistance is not a “public charge” benefit.

• Tenants residing in state- or federally-subsidized housing are eligible to apply.

For more information and updates on the program, please visit illinoishousinghelp.org.