The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) provides eligible Vermont tenants with up to 18 months' of assistance* with their past-due or current utility bills.
*depending on available funding and continued eligibility
- Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Home Page
- Am I Eligible?
- Landlord Information
- Utility Information
- Help Applying
Please note: HOMEOWNERS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM.
Eligibility
To participate in the ERAP in Vermont (VERAP), renters must attest that:
- One or more individuals in the household has experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
- One or more individuals in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and
- The household has an income at or below 80% of county median income
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 (apply through the Housing Assistance application)
VERAP also provides financial assistance for renters to help pay for rent and rental arrears and other expenses related to housing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about financial rental assistance, please see the VSHA VERAP webpage.
Trainings for Applicants (portal trainings and step-by-step walkthroughs)
- New VERAP Applicant Portal Walkthrough
- Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 2:00-3:30 pm
- Tuesday, November 16, 2021, 2:00-3:30 pm
- Thursday, November 18, 2021, 2:00-3:30 pm
Training information includes
- Login with an email or cell phone number
- How to save changes and return as needed before submitting the application
- How to create a Profile
- ALL NEW AND RETURNING APPLICANTS will be required to provide a complete Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number for all household members
- Those without an IRS-issued SSN or TIN can request an alternate ID by contacting the Call Center at: 833-488-3727
Utility Vendor Training
Call Center Information
VERAP has provided a call center to answer your questions. Please Call:
Call Center Hours
Monday- Friday: 8:30am-7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
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)