Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented economic slowdown, forcing many businesses to shut down and people to lose their jobs. King County in Washington State implemented the King County Eviction Prevention Assistance (KEPA) program to provide rental assistance to renters who are unable to pay rent due to the pandemic. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to apply for KEPA and the eligibility criteria to receive assistance.
Overview of the KEPA program
The KEPA program is designed to help renters in King County who have been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic and are struggling to pay rent. The program provides different types of assistance depending on the renter’s situation. One option is to receive rental assistance up to $5,000 per household or three months’ rent, whichever is less. Another option is to negotiate a payment plan with the landlord and get KEPA to pay up to three months’ rent on behalf of the tenant.
Who is eligible for KEPA?
To be eligible for KEPA, the renter must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in King County;
- Have a household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) before the pandemic;
- Lost a job or experienced a reduction in income due to COVID-19;
- Is not receiving any other rental assistance;
- Has been unable to pay rent since March 1, 2020;
- Has a current lease and is not in the process of moving or being evicted from the rental unit.
How to apply for KEPA?
The first step to applying for KEPA is to determine eligibility. Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants can apply online at https://www.impactca.org/housing/rent-utility-assistance/king-county/. The website has information on the documentation required and how to submit it. Applicants are required to provide documentation of income, proof of residency, and lease agreement. If a renter is not able to apply online, they can contact a KEPA call center representative at 1-844-724-3737, and an application can be mailed to them. Once the applications are processed, KEPA may ask for additional documentation if required.
Conclusion
King County’s KEPA program is designed to provide rental assistance to residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has two options to provide assistance to renters who are struggling to pay rent. It is important for eligible renters to take advantage of this opportunity to receive the help they need to stay in their homes. Applying for KEPA is a simple process that renters can complete online or with the help of a KEPA call center representative.
