Washington County residents struggling to pay rent and utilities may qualify for assistance

Washington County residents who are unable to pay rent and utility costs due to COVID-19 may qualify for help.

According to a news release, Washington County has received $3 million from federal CARES Act funding to pay current and past due rent and utilities, including gas, electricity and water bills.

Although there has been a temporary hold on evictions, full payment of rent is required and landlords can evict tenants with past due rent after state and federal restrictions on evictions are lifted.

Residents may qualify for CARES assistance if they:

• Currently earn less than 80% of the area median income, determined by household size;
• Are a Washington County resident;
• Have past due rent, utility costs, or are experiencing homelessness;
• Lost income due to COVID-19 that has not been replaced by unemployment or other assistance.

Assistance can also be provided regardless of immigration status.

The following documents may be used in preparing an application:

• Verification of current income (paystubs, benefits letter, proof of unemployment)
• Proof of your emergency, including what you owe and who it is owed to (copy of late rent notice, utility bill, shut-off notice, etc.)
• Identification (copy of driver’s license or state identification, birth certificate, social security card, copy of passport, etc.)

Further information or verification may be required.

Applications for assistance are located on Washington County’s website. Search "rental assistance." to find the page once on the site.

Residents may also apply over the phone by calling the Washington County Community Services Department at 651-430-6570 or email CSRA@co.washington.mn.us, or use the fax number of 651-430-6515.

There is no application deadline; however, renters are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure assistance is received in a timely manner and before funding runs out.