Emergency Rent/Utilities Assistance for Low-Income Residents
Important Message!
Due to the high volume of applications there may be a longer wait time before you hear back
from an ERAP eligibility specialist. In the meantime, please make sure all required
documents have been uploaded and all sections of the application are complete. If you have
not heard from an eligibility specialist after three weeks you may want to contact us to
ensure that your application was received. Call 336-703-3700 or send an email to forsytherap@forsyth.cc.
The City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County have received federal funds under the Emergency
Rental Assistance Program to assist low-income residents who are behind on their rent or
utilities payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic (directly or indirectly).
The program is open to all renters residing in the City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, who
have a household income 80% or less of area median income (see chart below) and have been
financially impacted by COVID-19.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is for renters only. ERAP
provides assistance with rent
and/or utilities, to include electricity, water/sewer, trash removal, natural gas, propane, fuel
oil and internet (special conditions apply for Internet assistance).
Appointments and Walk-in Service are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by Appointment Only on the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of each month, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m at:
Forsyth County Department of Social Services
741 Highland Avenue, Winston-Salem
Click the button below to schedule an appointment for help with your new application or
uploading documents to an existing application.
This is helpful, but not required as your landlord will be asked to complete documents during the application
process. If you have questions/concerns, please call our customer service line at:
1-855-838-6776.
Currently, the program helps with past due rent and utility bills up to 12 months in
arrears and rent going forward up to 3 months, with one application. You may apply in future months, provided that funds
are still available and the you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
The tenant must fill out the Tenant Application and provide the following
documentation:
First name, last name, and social security number of adult household
members. Those without a social please enter 000-00-0000.
Identification - The applicant and the co-applicant must provide
identification (ID) to get assistance. Photo ID is preferred, such as a
driver's license, state ID card, military ID card, or any passport. Many
other forms of ID can also be used, such as a birth certificate, a Medicaid
or Medicare card, a signed Social Security card or an ID card issued by
employer or religious organization/place of worship.
Signed lease agreement is helpful
Letter of unemployment benefits, if applicable
Proof of Income for each household member (tax documents, paystubs,
unemployment award letter, savings and checking account statements, child
support income documentation, if applicable) OR a Determination letter from
a government agency verifying the household income is at or below 80% of the
area median income
For Rental Assistance, an eviction notice or late payment notice or rental ledger
For Utility Assistance, utility bills showing amounts due for each month of
assistance requested. The bill must include the household address and one
household member's name
Documents for prior rental assistance received (if applicable)
Additional documentation not listed above to demonstrate household income,
economic impact, risk of homelessness, and other assistance received that is
relevant to your application