UniteCT is the State of Connecticut’s Emergency Rental Assistance program. It “will provide rental and utility payment assistance to qualified Connecticut households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.” The state says the intent of the $235 million program is “to help stabilize Connecticut’s Rental Housing Market.”
Households up to 80% of the HUD Area Median Income (AMI) are eligible*. Landlords are also eligible on behalf of eligible households. The program will offer:
- Utility Assistance – Arrears (Utilities covered by the landlord will be considered as part of rental assistance.)
- Rental Assistance – Arrears
- Rental Assistance – Prospective
*You can search for your city’s AMI using the table at the bottom of this page.
The State of Connecticut explains eligibility criteria for UniteCT as follows:
- Be a permanent or primary resident of the State of Connecticut. Demonstrate a need for assistance prior to or at the time of application as reflected by the eligibility criteria set forth below.
- Meet the definition of “eligible household”.
- Complete the online application in full and upload all necessary supporting documentation.
UniteCT defines an “eligible household” as a renter household in which one or more individuals meet all of the following criteria:
- Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; and
- Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Certifies household income at or below 80% of the HUD area median income (AMI). Income Eligibility Source Documentation Applicants may provide either annual or monthly income source documentation to document income.
- The tenant may submit their 2020 annual household income documentation; or
- Most recent two months of household income source documentation. This documentation will be used to annualize household income amounts. If a household is qualified on the basis of monthly income, the household will be required to re-submit income documentation to recertify household income every three months for the duration of assistance.
UniteCT Income Definition
- The Department has elected to utilize the IRS Form 1040 Adjusted Gross Income method as its definition of income.
UniteCT Applications will be deemed ineligible if:
- Applicant is currently receiving other federal or state housing assistance*
- Applicant or co-applicant cannot provide third-party verification of occupancy of the unit (such as a lease, utility bill, or other third-party documentation).
- Applicant is subleasing the unit.
- Applicant does not provide supporting documentation necessary to determine compliance with the eligibility requirements and support of the amount of assistance required.
UniteCT Rental Assistance Application Requirements for Tenants
- Proof of identification
- Proof of income
- Copy of lease or rental agreement
- Proof of past due electric bill*
- Proof of COVID-19 financial hardship
*If applicable. Tenants can apply for either rental or utility assistance and may not need to upload all documents to submit their UniteCT application.
UniteCT Rental Assistance Application Requirements for Landlords
- Property information
- Tenant information
- Identification & W-9
- Copy of lease or rental agreement
- Proof of ownership
- Copy of tenant statement of arrearages
For more information on what is needed to complete your UniteCT application, visit here.
You can also view and get an update on your UniteCT application status here.
*An eligible household that occupies a federally subsidized residential unit may receive UniteCT ERA assistance, provided that UniteCT ERA funds are not applied to costs that have been or will be reimbursed under any other federal assistance. If an eligible household receives a monthly federal subsidy and the rent is adjusted according to changes in income, the renter household may receive UniteCT ERA assistance for the tenant-owned portion of rent or utilities that are not subsidized. An analysis of income and sources of assistance will be performed in order to ensure no duplication of benefits exists.
Tenants and/or landlords can apply. They will need to work together to complete the resident’s application. You can search for your city’s AMI using the table below.
You can begin the application process by applying at the link below. If you need assistance, contact a UniteCT Resource Center or call toll-free at 1-844-UniteCT (1-844-864-8328).
Find more information here.
Need help paying rent? Please see our Rental Assistance resource page.
