Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance program transitioning to waitlist

Dec 10, 2024 / Reece Ristau Senior Communications and Public Relations Strategist

LINCOLN, Neb. — 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 ERA program provides financial assistance to qualified, pandemic-impacted Nebraska renter households for past-due and future rent payments and past-due utility and internet payments in the 91 counties outside of Douglas and Lancaster, which had their own programs. Funds do not need to be paid back.

“As we approach the end of the ERA program, we want to ensure we’re able to provide rent and utility assistance to as many Nebraskans as possible,” said Shannon Harner, executive director of NIFA. “We encourage anyone who needs assistance and believes they are eligible to apply before the waitlist period begins.”

Once 75% of program funding has been obligated, the remaining funds will be used for the development of affordable rental housing in tandem with other NIFA resources.

Joining the waitlist is similar to the standard ERA application. Renters or landlords can begin the application process. Renter applicants will identify their landlord, and if the landlord is not already participating in the ERA program, they will be contacted and asked to complete their portion of the application. If the landlord already has an active account in the ERA application portal, the renter(s) will still need to apply to join the waitlist for possible assistance and a referral to Housing Stabilization services.

Waitlist applicants will be notified via the ERA portal if they are moving forward in the application process, which does not guarantee approval. Applicants can log into the portal to see the status of an application. Learn more about the waitlist at nifa.org/emergency-rental-assistance.

Apply for assistance and find answers to frequently asked questions at NebraskaRentHelp.org.

Nebraskans who are not eligible for the program or need additional assistance can visit nebraskarenthelp.org/resources to find other resources.

About Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA): The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority’s (NIFA) mission is to grow Nebraska communities through affordable housing and agribusiness. NIFA leverages its resources, data, knowledge, and technology with effective statewide partnerships and collaboration to promote vibrant Nebraska communities through affordable housing solutions and agribusiness. For more information visit nifa.org. The Nebraska ERA program is authorized by Title III, Subtitle B, Section 3201 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), 2021, Pub. L. No. 117-2.