HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – The Montana Department of Commerce announced on Friday that families who have suffered substantial financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 may now apply for rental assistance through the Emergency Housing Assistance program.
A press release says this will help residents stay in their current home or help obtain housing by providing rental and security deposit assistance to Montanans eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Eligible families must include at least one child under 18 and suffer from a substantial loss of income due to COVID-19. A family of four must have a monthly income of $4,367 or less and less than $3,000 in readily available assets such as cash or savings.
Applicants can expect to have their applications reviewed within 5-10 days. Once approved, a monthly rental payment or security deposit will be mailed or directly deposited from Montana Housing at the Department of Commerce to the applicant’s landlord.
Approximately $430,000 in TANF funds allocated to the Department will be used to launch the relief program. Additional state or federal funds may be added to the program.
For complete eligibility requirements and application information visit housing.mt.gov.
