Help with Utility Bills for Renters

Current VERAP Statistics

NOTE: EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2023, VERAP (Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program) FOR UTILITY ASSISTANCE HAS ENDED

 VERAP and REAP (Rapid Energy Assistance Program) Deadlines

• Applications for utility assistance will no longer be accepted after December 31, 2022, except for certain eligible high-risk populations
• Effective January 1, 2023, reduced utility assistance will continue for service provided through June 30, 2023, for participant households whose income is at or below 30% of Area Median Income
• Utility assistance will continue at 100% for certain eligible high-risk populations through June 30, 2023 or as funds allow.
• REAP vendors may continue to serve any eligible customers by making requests for reimbursement through the vendor portal. REAP vendor reconciliation reports are due on May 15, 2023. Any funds advanced to REAP vendors that remain unused should be returned by May 19, 2023.
• REAP Utility and fuel vendors may continue to upload and request benefits for their eligible customers for usage through June 30, 2023.
• REAP Utility and fuel vendors may continue to request usage or arrearages for eligible customers until July 21, 2023. If vendors haven’t requested payment by that date tenants will be reimbursed directly.
• The REAP utility and fuel vendor portal will close on September 1, 2023. Please pull any reports on or before that date.

Covered Utility Types

• Electricity
• Natural gas
• Water and sewer
• Trash removal
• Fuel oil and other energy costs
• Past-due Internet charges, if wired-line service is provided to the rental unit (note: as of October 1, 2022, these charges are no longer eligible for funding)

Helpful Links

• Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program
• U.S. Department of the Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Frequently Asked Questions (updated periodically)
• IRS Emergency Rental Assistance Frequently Asked Questions (updated periodically)