Newcomers to the Texas Rent Relief Program may qualify for up to 18 months of rent and utility aid, which could cover overdue charges or a combination of past balances and up to three months of current and upcoming expenses paid on their behalf. If prior applicants have not yet obtained the full 18 months of financial assistance for rent or utility bills, they can file an Additional Funding Request using their existing online user account, MSN reported.

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While over 316,000 households have already benefited from the Texas Rent Relief Program, the department has observed that there is still a high demand for aid, with eviction lawsuits across the state now matching pre-pandemic levels, MSN reported. To avoid eviction, it is crucial that those who are eligible for the program apply as soon as possible.

In case of eviction, it is advisable to seek legal aid, attend the eviction hearing, and keep in touch with the landlord and the court. For help with understanding the available options and getting free or inexpensive legal assistance, individuals may visit https://texaslawhelp.org/eviction-referral or dial 855-270-7655.

How to Apply for the Texas Rent Relief Program?

To apply for the Texas Rent Relief Program, applicants can do so online or over the phone.

According to the Tax Rent Relief website, to submit an application for the TRR program, applicants must:

  • visit TexasRentRelief.com to review the eligibility criteria and necessary documents.
  •  gather all essential paperwork ahead of time to streamline the application process
  • submit their application through the online portal or by contacting the Texas Rent Relief call center at 833-9TX-RENT (833-989-7368) starting March 14
  • monitor communication from the program in case additional information is required to complete the application review process, once the application has been submitted

If applicants do not respond, it will slow down the process of reviewing their application and delay the timeline for authorized payments.

In conclusion, the Texas Rent Relief program is a critical resource for eligible households struggling to pay their rent and utility bills during the pandemic. Applications for the program are open from March 14 to March 28, and it is highly recommended that those in need of assistance apply as soon as possible to avoid eviction.

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