Missing rent is terrifying. It is not just about money — it is about losing your home, your stability, your kids' school district, everything. In 2026, the median rent in the United States has reached $1,850 per month according to Zillow, and over 11 million American households spend more than half their income on rent alone. When one paycheck falls short, one car breaks down, or one medical bill hits, the math simply stops working. If you are behind on rent right now or afraid you will be next month, this guide is for you.
Rental assistance programs exist at every level — federal, state, county, city, and through dozens of nonprofits. The trick is knowing where to look and applying to multiple programs at once. And while those applications process, supplemental income can buy you time. Apps like I am Beezy let you earn $5 to $15 per day from your phone by viewing content — that is $150 to $300 per month with no boss, no fixed schedule, and no commute. Combined with assistance programs, it can be enough to stay in your home. Let us go through every option.
Federal Rental Assistance Programs
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
Section 8 is the largest federal rental assistance program, serving over 2.3 million households. The voucher covers the difference between 30 percent of your adjusted gross income and the fair market rent in your area. If the fair market rent is $1,500 and your income is $1,800 per month, you would pay approximately $540 and the voucher covers the remaining $960. The challenge is the waitlist — in many cities it is 2 to 5 years long, and some housing authorities have closed their lists entirely. But if you are not already on the list, apply now. Every day you wait is one more day at the back of the line. Contact your local Public Housing Authority at hud.gov to apply.
Emergency Housing Vouchers
Created during the pandemic and extended into 2026 in many jurisdictions, Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) target individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or recently homeless. These vouchers work like Section 8 but have separate, shorter waitlists. Ask your local housing authority specifically about EHVs — they are not always advertised alongside regular Section 8.
HUD's Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)
The Emergency Solutions Grants program provides federal funding to states and cities for homelessness prevention, including rental assistance for people at imminent risk of losing their housing. ESG funds can cover back rent, security deposits, first month's rent, and utility deposits. Contact your local Continuum of Care (the regional body that coordinates homelessness services) or call 211 to find ESG-funded programs near you.
| Program | What It Covers | Average Benefit | Waitlist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 8 Voucher | Ongoing rent (pays 70% avg) | $900-$1,200/month | 2-5 years in most cities |
| Emergency Housing Voucher | Ongoing rent | Same as Section 8 | Shorter, varies by area |
| ESG (Emergency Solutions) | Back rent, deposits | Up to $5,000 | Usually none |
| ERAP (if still active) | Rent arrears | Up to 12 months of rent | Varies by state |
| TANF emergency payment | One-time rent crisis | $500-$1,500 | Usually none |
State, County, and City Rental Assistance
State-funded rental assistance programs
Most states operate their own rental assistance programs in addition to federal ones. California has the Housing Is Key program. New York operates the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Texas has the Texas Rent Relief Program. These programs typically cover rent arrears, current month's rent, and sometimes upcoming rent for qualifying households. Funding levels and availability change frequently, so call 211 or visit your state's housing agency website to check what is currently available.
County and city rapid rehousing programs
Many counties and cities operate rapid rehousing programs that provide short-term rental assistance (typically 3 to 12 months) to prevent homelessness. These programs often come with case management, financial counseling, and connections to other resources. They are typically administered by local nonprofits under contract with the county. Contact your county's Department of Social Services or call 211 for referrals.
Nonprofit rental assistance near you
The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, and local churches provide emergency rent assistance in nearly every community in America. The Salvation Army alone operates over 7,600 centers nationwide. These organizations can typically provide one-time payments of $200 to $1,000 toward rent, and some offer ongoing assistance for qualifying families. Amounts depend on available funding, which varies throughout the year. Apply early in the month when funds are most likely to be available.
How to Keep Up With Rent While Assistance Processes
The timing problem with rental assistance
Here is the painful reality: most rental assistance applications take 2 to 6 weeks to process. If your rent is due on the first and you apply on the 28th, you are already behind before anyone reviews your paperwork. Even after approval, the payment to your landlord can take another 1 to 2 weeks. During that gap, late fees accumulate, your landlord gets anxious, and the stress builds. Having even a small source of supplemental income during this waiting period can make the difference between a manageable situation and an eviction filing.
Earning extra while applications process
I am Beezy lets you start earning the same day you sign up. You view content on your cell phone — videos, articles, and ads — and each view generates real earnings deposited into your account. There are no requirements beyond having a phone and an internet connection. Users who spend 20 to 30 minutes per day report $150 to $300 per month. The referral program lets you earn additional income when friends and family sign up. While $200 per month will not cover your full rent, it can cover a late fee, contribute to a partial payment that keeps your landlord from filing for eviction, or cover other bills so more of your paycheck can go toward rent.
| Time on Beezy | Monthly Earnings | What It Means for Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 10 min/day | $50-$100 | Covers one late fee plus utilities |
| 20 min/day | $150-$250 | Covers a partial rent payment or security deposit |
| 30 min/day | $250-$350 | Significant rent contribution each month |
| 30 min + referrals | $350-$450 | Covers a large portion of rent in affordable markets |
Frequently Asked Questions About Help Paying Rent
Can my landlord evict me while I have a pending assistance application?
This depends on your state and local laws. Some jurisdictions require landlords to delay eviction proceedings if the tenant has a pending rental assistance application. Others do not. Regardless, communicate with your landlord in writing. Show them proof that you have applied for assistance and provide a timeline. Most landlords would rather wait 4 to 6 weeks for a guaranteed payment from an assistance program than go through the expensive and time-consuming eviction process.
What if I do not qualify for Section 8?
Section 8 is just one program among many. Emergency Solutions Grants, state-funded rental assistance, rapid rehousing programs, and nonprofit emergency aid all have different eligibility criteria. Some programs are based on income, others on circumstances like job loss or medical emergency. Call 211 to get a comprehensive list of every program available in your area — you may qualify for several you have never heard of.
How do I apply for multiple programs at once?
There is no rule against applying for multiple rental assistance programs simultaneously. In fact, it is the smartest strategy. Apply for Section 8 for long-term help, ESG or state emergency programs for immediate relief, and nonprofit assistance as a backup. Keep a folder with copies of all your documents — income verification, lease, ID, and past-due notice — so you can submit applications quickly without starting from scratch each time.
Will rental assistance affect my taxes or other benefits?
Rental assistance payments from government programs and nonprofits are generally not considered taxable income. They also do not count as income for purposes of SNAP, Medicaid, or other benefit calculations. However, rules can vary, so consult with your local benefits office or a free tax preparation service like VITA if you have questions about your specific situation.
Protect Your Home Starting Right Now
Every day you wait to apply for rental assistance is a day closer to crisis. Call 211 today and ask about every rent program in your area. Apply for Section 8 if you are not already on the list. Contact your landlord and explain your situation honestly. Reach out to the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and local churches for emergency help. And while those applications are moving through the system, start earning supplemental income — sign up for free on I am Beezy and put your phone to work protecting your home. You have more options than you realize, and the time to use them is now.
