News Flash

Low-income residents who are behind on their rent or utilities because of the pandemic can get help applying for assistance Monday through Friday at the new ERAP Application Lab at Forsyth County Department of Social Services, 741 Highland Ave., Winston-Salem.

Appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Links to schedule an appointment are posted at Forsyth.cc/ERAP and CityofWS.org/ERAP. Walk-ins will be accommodated but those with appointments will have priority. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or ERAP, provides assistance with rent and utilities, to include electricity, water/sewer, natural gas, propane, garbage (county residents), fuel oil and internet. The program is open to all renters in Forsyth County who have been economically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and have a household income 80 percent or less of area median income, which varies by household size and is $55,100 for a family of four. Income limits were adjusted June 1 and are now higher than previously listed.

Complete eligibility information, links to apply online and an updated chart of income limits for households of 1 through 8 people are posted at CityofWS.org/ERAP and Forsyth.cc/ERAP.

Applicants should bring to the lab:

• Identification for themselves and their co-applicant, if any. (Photo ID is preferred, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, military ID card or passport. Other forms of ID can also be used, including birth certificates, Medicaid or Medicare card, a signed Social Security card or an ID card issued by employer or religious organization/place of worship.)
• Proof of income. (Can be pay stubs for the last 30 days, 2020 W-2 form, award letters for SSI, SSDI or child support.)
• Their lease agreement.
• An eviction notice, or statement or bill from their landlord or utility company showing what they owe.
• Proof of hardship. This could include change in income or a statement of financial hardship.