DO YOU NEED HELP paying your rent or Utility Bills?
I can’t afford to pay my rent. What can I do?
There are several programs that can help Denver residents with emergency rental and utility assistance, including:
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA)
You must meet income qualifications and submit an approved application to receive these funds. Applications can take several months to process, so don’t wait to apply!
NOTE: Landlords may also apply to the ERAP program to receive assistance on behalf of a tenant.
The West Denver Community Connectors can assist west Denver residents with applications for rent and utility assistance, as well as other reasources. You can reach them at (720) 541-9324. (se habla español)
Can my landlord evict me if I can’t pay my rent?
Yes, you can be evicted if you aren’t able to pay your rent. Click here to learn more about your rights as a renter and to access free legal services that can help you if you are worried about being evicted.
Click here to watch a video guide to applying to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) — by Colorado Legal Services.
Haga clic aquí para ver una guía en video sobre cómo aplicar para asistencia de la renta (ERAP) — por Colorado Legal Services.
The following programs and organizations can assist you if you need help paying your rent or utility bills.
ORGANIZATION
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
SERVICES PROVIDED
Can help renters impacted by COVID-19 as far back as April 2020. Help can include past due, current, and two additional months of expected rent costs. You can apply for up to 15 months of assistance.
Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA)
NOTE: TRUA is currently only accepting applications for utility assistance and for rental assistance that is not related to COVID-19. For rental assistance related to COVID-19, please apply to ERAP.
Can cover up to 80% of your rent and utility bills. You can apply monthly as needed for up to 6 months.
Call 311 and press 6
Left Behind Workers Fund
NOTE: The fund is not currently accepting applications, but is expected to reopen in late summer 2021.
Can provide up to $1000 in assistance for those who are ineligible for Federal stimulus funds and unemployment benefits.
Denver Human Services Emergency Housing Assistance Program
Limited emergency assistance is available to help people who income qualify pay for First Month’s Rent, Deposit, Eviction Assistance, Utility Payments, Storage Fees, Family Reunification and Prescriptions.
Click here to apply or call (720) 944-2032 for assistance
NOTE: Bank On Denver has currently closed its application, but is expected to reopen in late summer 2021.
One-time family stabilization grants to Denver households impacted by COVID-19. Applicant must attend at least three financial coaching sessions receive grant funds.
Bank On Denver
Click here for the application or contact the Office of Financial Empowerment and Assistance at (720) 944-2498
Catholic Charities
Can provide rent or utility assistance for individuals and families in Denver
Call (720) 377-1313 to make an appointment or visit their website for more information
What happens if I can’t pay a utility bill?
Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program may be able to help cover your costs. See above for more information about how to apply to TRUA.
Denver Water customers who are concerned about being able to pay a bill can contact the Denver Water Customer Care team at 303-893-2444, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Customer Care team can help customers to evaluate options, like payment plans, or connecting the customer with other resources.
Xcel Energy has some resources available. If you are struggling to pay your bill, call 800-895-4999 or click here for more information.
LEAP and Energy Outreach Colorado can help cover winter home heating costs. You can call 1 (844) HEAT-HELP to apply for LEAP (November - April) and learn about other energy resources. See more here.
How can I get low-cost internet access?
Xfinity is offering free wifi hotspots for everyone. Public hotspots can be found in small/medium businesses and outdoors in commercial areas and are labeled “xfinitywifi.” Find a map of wifi hotspots here.
Comcast’s Internet Essentials program offers qualifying customers internet for $9.95/month. Learn more here.