Emergency Rental Assistance

Nebraska ERA program is transitioning to a Waitlist

Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, applications received for the Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program will be placed on a waitlist due to current demand and availability of remaining funds, the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority announced today.

NIFA will prioritize reviewing waitlist applications received by Dec. 16, 2024, before the waitlist transition. Waitlist applicants may or may not be approved for assistance depending on application volume, applicant eligibility, and available funding. All waitlist applicants will be offered a referral to Housing Stabilization services, which connect applicants to assistance for employment, groceries or other relevant needs.

The $48 million program is funded by the U.S. Treasury Department's second Emergency Rental Assistance program that was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The program is being managed by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority.

How to apply

There are several ways to apply for the Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance program:

• Online: Visit NebraskaRentHelp.org to learn more about the eligibility requirements and how to apply for assistance.
• ERA Call Center: Call 1-844-429-6575. If you receive a return call about the program, you may see "NE Rent Help" on your caller ID. The call center will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
• In-person or over the phone: If you need assistance completing an application, you can reach out to a Community Collaborative in your area.

Visit NebraskaRentHelp.org to apply

Note: This program is for renters living outside of Douglas and Lancaster counties, which have their own ERA programs and application processes. See the "Other Resources" section below if you reside in Douglas or Lancaster counties and need assistance.