Even though there is a temporary hold on evictions as part of Governor Walz's executive order, rent and other housing costs are still due. Your landlord may be able to evict you for not paying rent once restrictions are lifted. Hennepin County may be able to help you cover current and past due rent and other housing costs, including utility bills.
You are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible to help make sure you get help in time.
You can apply and receive help multiple times.
As of Monday, August 24, help for higher income households is available through the State of Minnesota's COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program. See below under "Application 2" for details.
Who is eligible?
You may qualify for money to help cover your housing costs if you:
- Live in Hennepin County
- Have current household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (about $65,160 for a family of three)
- Lost income due to COVID-19
- Have past due housing costs or can't afford your housing costs this month
- Are not currently receiving Section 8 or other rental assistance
If you are having trouble paying for housing and other expenses but do not meet the above criteria, you may still qualify for help through Hennepin County's Emergency Assistance and Emergency General Assistance programs. Learn more and apply here.
What can funding be used for?
- Rent payments
- Manufactured home park lot rents
- Manufactured home payments
- Utility payments
- Mortgage payments for the home you live in
How do I apply?
To start your application, follow the the instructions under "Application 1" or "Application 2," depending on your household status, size and income.
- If you are a renter and your total household income before COVID-19 was below the levels in the income chart below, apply for Hennepin County's Emergency Housing Assistance program by following the steps under "Application 1."
- If you are a renter and your total household income before COVID-19 was above the levels in the income chart below, OR you are a homeowner or live in a mobile home, apply for the State of Minnesota's COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program by following the steps under "Application 2."
Income chart
|
Household size
|
Income level
|
|
1
|
$36,200
|
|
2
|
$41,400
|
|
3
|
$46,500
|
|
4
|
$51,700
|
|
5
|
$55,850
|
|
6
|
$60,000
|
|
7
|
$64,150
|
|
8
|
$68,250
|
Application 1
Hennepin County Emergency Housing Assistance
If you need assistance applying, call 612-302-3160 and leave a message, including spelling of your name. Someone will return your call within one business day.
Applications are being reviewed as quickly as possible in the order they are received. Checks are typically mailed within 4 weeks of completing your application.
If you have not been contacted about your application for two weeks and would like a status update:
- For the fastest response, email EHA@hennepin.us, and forward your confirmation email from the time of application, if you have it.
- If you do not have reliable email access, you can call 612-302-3160 and leave a message, including spelling of your name.
- Someone will respond with an update on your application within 5 business days.
Application 2
State of MN COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP)
If you need help applying or would like a status update on your application, contact the State's CHAP program by visiting www.housinghelpmn.org or calling 651-291-0211.
Talk to your landlord
In order to receive rental assistance, your landlord must have a W-9 form on file with Hennepin County. Reach out to your landlord to find out if they do. If they do not, you can direct them to this webpage where they can submit a W-9 form electronically using the link provided below under "Information for landlords."