Click “Online Application” to start your application for rent and utility assistance.
Apply, Check Status, Send Documents and Forms, and Check Payments Online
Helpline: 717-590-3101
We intend to start processing applications by 3/22/2021 and expect a large number of applications for this assistance. This is not a first come first serve program and applications will be prioritized by arrears and eviction notices. We will provide additional resources and updates on processing applications.
Applicants can check their status on the online portal. (Initial/Active, Case Manager Reviewing, Incomplete Documentation, Eligibility Determined, Approved for Payment)
- You need to log in to www.assistancecheck.com, using the username and password that you created in your initial application. If you need help, please call 717-590-3101.
- Click “View and Print Documents” (Document Library). If you don’t have a way to print and scan documents, you can get assistance here: https://www.lchra.com/rent/#locations
- Click “Send Documents” to upload, upload the necessary forms and click submit.
- Check your status for updates
- Tell your landlord you applied
- Application will be reviewed, and eligibility will be determined
- Rental Assistance check is released to landlord and/or utility provider
Eligible Assistance
- Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance.
- The payment of existing housing-related arrears that could result in eviction of an eligible household is prioritized.
Eligible Households
- Households that experienced a COVID-19 pandemic related job or income loss or related expense; and
- demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- have a household income that is 80% or less the Area Median Income (AMI)
Rent Assistance
- Rent including rental arrears.
- Eligible assistance with rent arrears as far back as March 13, 2020, (assuming no other financial assistance has been provided for the same months).
- Maximum monthly rent payments may include rent, late fees or penalties due to nonpayment, pet fees, and utilities covered by the landlord.
- Maximum monthly rent will be established at time of initial application submission and review of the tenant’s lease agreement (written or 3rd party verified documentation showing residency and past payments).
- Written signed and current lease; or
Utilities and Home Energy Costs
- Utilities and home energy costs including arrears, with or without the need for rent assistance.
- Utilities are defined as separately-stated electricity, gas, water and sewer, and trash removal costs.
- Home energy costs are defined as fuel oil (propane gas, heating oil).
- Eligible assistance with utility arrears as far back as March 13, 2020, (assuming no other financial assistance has been provided for the same months).
Other Expenses Related to Housing
- Other expenses related to housing incurred due, directly or indirectly, to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, as defined by the Secretary.
- Eviction court fees and legal representation for non-payment of rent and utilities only
- Eligible households will provide a bill, invoice, or evidence of payment
- Security deposits, first month’s rent to ensure eligible households’ stability due to permanent or temporary relocation due to COVID-19.
- Eligible households will provide notice of non-renewal of current lease, or other evidence of notice to temporarily relocate due to COVID-19
- Eviction court fees and legal representation for non-payment of rent and utilities only
Required Forms
Please Submit All Forms and Related Documentation Through your Assistance Connect Account.
Tenant
Landlord/Owner
Computer Access and Assistance
Columbia
Columbia Life Network (CLN)
18 S. 4th Street, Columbia, PA 17512
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-12pm, afternoon and evening hours by appointment
To contact: 717-684-8094
Conestoga Valley
Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS)
2420 Gehman Lane, Lancaster, PA 17602
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 9am-1pm, by appointment
To contact: 717-208-3711 or financial@cvccs.org
Denver
Real Life Community Services
240 Main Street, Suite B, Denver, PA 17517
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9am-4pm, Friday, 9am-1pm, by appointment
To contact: 717-336-7797 or chris@reallcs.org
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown Community Housing & Outreach Services (ECHOS)
61 E. Washington Street, Suite 110, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Bilingual staff able to assist
Hours: Mondays & Thursdays, 8am-4pm, by appointment
To contact: 717-361-0740 or info@ECHOSLancaster.org
Ephrata
Ephrata Area Social Services (EASS)
227 North State Street, Ephrata, PA 17552
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am-4pm, by appointment
To contact: 717-733-0345
Northern Lancaster Hub
560 S. Reading Road, Ephrata, PA 17522
Hours: by appointment
To contact: 717-723-8258
Lancaster City
BASE Inc (By appointment)
447 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm
Contact: dmartinez@baseinc.org or 717-742-0115
Bright Side Opportunities Center
515 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Bilingual staff available to assist
Hours: By appointment
To contact: 717-509-1342
Community Action Partnership (CAP)
601 S. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Bilingual staff able to assist
Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10am-1pm, 2-4pm, by appointment
To contact: 717-299-7301
Crispus Attucks
407 Howard Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17602
Hours: Mondays, 9am-12pm, 1-5pm, Fridays 9am-12pm, by appointment
To contact: 717-394-6604
Parish Resource Center
Hours: Sunday 5-6pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 517 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA (Parking lot)
Monday 5-6pm at East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, 432 E. Chestnut St., Lancaster PA (Front foyer)
Tuesday 5-6pm at Shaarai Shomayim, 75 E. James St., Lancaster, PA (Sidewalk on Duke St.)
To contact: (717) 299-1113 or info@parishresourcecenter.org
Price Elementary
615 Fairview Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Bilingual staff available to assist by appointment
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4pm. Evening hours by appointment
To contact: 717-291-6252
SoWe
417 Poplar Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
Bilingual staff able to assist
Hours: By appointment
To contact: 717-669-3633 or lpagan@bgclanc.org
Tabor/LHOP
308 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
Bilingual staff able to assist
Hours: By appointment
To contact: 717-291-9945 ext. 194 or brivera@lhop.org
New Holland
Crossnet Ministries
127 W. Franklin Street, New Holland, PA 17557
Hours: Mondays – Wednesdays, 10am-4pm, by appointment
To contact: 717-355-2454
Paradise
The Factory Ministries
3293 Lincoln Hwy E, Paradise, PA 17562
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am-4pm
To contact: 717-687-9594
Solanco
Solanco Neighborhood Ministries (SNM)
355 Buck Road, Quarryville, PA 17566
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9am-12pm, 1-4pm, Fridays 9am-12pm, by appointment
To contact: 717-786-4308 or office@snministries.org
Income Limits
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% Area Median Income | $27,580 | $31,800 | $35,800 | $39,750 | $42,950 | $46,150 | $49,300 | $52,500 |
| 80% Area Median Income | $44,550 | $50,900 | $57,250 | $63,600 | $68,700 | $73,800 | $78,900 | $84,000 |