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16 Ways to Get Free Connecticut Rent Relief

16 Ways to Get Free Connecticut Rent Relief

Are you struggling to pay for living expenses or running behind on rent? Fortunately, Connecticut rent relief is available for those in need! We’ve found the best rent relief programs across the state and compiled them in one easy-to-read list right here.

Statewide Connecticut Rent Relief

There are several rent relief programs across the state of Connecticut. Take a look at this list of programs that offer free help with rent payments and rental assistance CT.

State of Connecticut Temporary Rental Housing Assistance Program (TRHAP)

The State of Connecticut and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority launched TRHAP to help residents impacted by COVID-19. If you’ve experienced income loss or greater expenses due to the pandemic, you may be able to receive up to $4,000 over a 1 year period.

Who can apply for TRHAP?

To receive assistance, you must:

  • Be a primary resident of Connecticut.
  • Not receive a subsidy from a Federal or State rental assistance program.
  • Meet certain income requirements.
  • Show that you’ve been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

How do I apply?

Due to the high volume of applicants, TRHAP application submissions may be temporarily paused. Check the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority website for updates and application information.

Connecticut Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

Connecticut’s Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides rent relief to very-low-income families, so they can afford safe and sanitary housing. This is Connecticut’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8). Funded by the DOH, participants choose a private rental that meets the requirements of the program. 

Who can apply for RAP?

To receive assistance, you must:

  • Meet income requirements.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or have an eligible immigration status.

How do I apply?

Because of the long waiting list, RAP is sometimes closed to new applicants temporarily. However, you can register at cthcvp.org to be contacted when the waiting list is open to new applicants again. 

UniteCT Emergency Rental Assistance

UniteCT provides emergency assistance of up to $15,000 to cover rent and electricity bills to households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Administered by the Department of Housing (DOH) and US Treasury, eligible applicants can receive up to 12 months of assistance with rent and electricity bills.

Who can apply for UniteCT assistance?

To receive rental assistance, you must:

  • Be a permanent or primary resident of Connecticut.
  • Qualify for unemployment or have had a reduction in income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial difficulties due to the pandemic.
  • Be at risk of homelessness or housing instability.
  • Meet certain income requirements.

How do I apply?

As of February 15, 2022, new applications for rental assistance are not currently being accepted by UniteCT. Keep an eye on the UniteCT website for updates. For additional assistance, find your local UniteCT Resource Center here.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

Low income veterans and their family members may be eligible for rental assistance and eviction prevention through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. There are local SSVF providers throughout the state that can offer assistance to eligible individuals.

The Salvation Army

Many Salvation Army locations in Connecticut offer help with paying rent and utilities. To be eligible for rent assistance, you may need to live in a certain county or city and be currently behind on rent payments. Check your local Salvation Army chapter for more information.

ConnecticutRentRelief for

Nationwide Rental Assistance Programs

There are some nationwide programs that help with rent payments as well. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Connecticut or have recently moved, you’ll want to look into some of these options. For more rent relief programs across the United States, check out this list!

Local Connecticut Rent Relief Programs

Some rental assistance programs are offered to residents of specific cities, counties, zip codes, or regions. We’ve listed these programs in alphabetical order by county for your convenience.

Fairfield County

Independence Northwest

Independence Northwest offers rental subsidies for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families. If you are homeless or at risk of being homeless you may receive housing search assistance and a 18 to 24 month rental subsidy. You must also live in Waterbury or the upper Naugatuck Valley and be sober and drug free for at least a year.

Hartford County

AIDS Connecticut

The AIDS Connecticut Housing Assistance Program grants up to $150 a month for individuals with HIV/AIDS living in Hartford, Middlesex, or Tolland County. You may be eligible for assistance if you’re at risk of homelessness, behind on rent payments, paying more than 50% of your income on rent, or at or under a certain income level.

East Hartford Interfaith Ministries

Those living in East Hartford may receive rental assistance through East Hartford Interfaith Ministries. This is a one time emergency payment of up to $100 toward rent. You must be a resident of East Hartford to receive rental assistance.

Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation

Individuals ages 18 and up living with HIV/AIDS and their families can receive rent payment assistance from Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation. They primarily serve Hartford and Middlesex Counties. Mercy Housing also provides ongoing support to low-income individuals and those struggling with substance abuse, mental illness, and other disabilities.

Litchfield County

Independence Northwest

Independence Northwest offers rental subsidies for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families. If you are homeless or at risk of being homeless you may receive housing search assistance and a 18 to 24 month rental subsidy. You must also live in Waterbury or the upper Naugatuck Valley and be sober and drug free for at least a year.

Middlesex County

AIDS Connecticut

The AIDS Connecticut Housing Assistance Program grants up to $150 a month for individuals with HIV/AIDS living in Hartford, Middlesex, or Tolland County. You may be eligible for assistance if you’re at risk of homelessness, behind on rent payments, paying more than 50% of your income on rent, or at or under a certain income level.

Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation

Individuals ages 18 and up living with HIV/AIDS and their families can receive rent payment assistance from Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation. They primarily serve Hartford and Middlesex Counties. Mercy Housing also provides ongoing support to low-income individuals and those struggling with substance abuse, mental illness, and other disabilities.

Middletown Walter C. Jones Fund

Residents of Middletown can receive assistance with paying rent or utility bills through the Walter C. Jones Fund. To be eligible, you must be a Middletown resident for at least 1 year and have a sustainable income. This is a one-time assistance program that will pay up to one month of rent.

New Haven County

Independence Northwest

Independence Northwest offers rental subsidies for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families. If you are homeless or at risk of being homeless you may receive housing search assistance and a 18 to 24 month rental subsidy. You must also live in Waterbury or the upper Naugatuck Valley and be sober and drug free for at least a year.

Effective Community Services

Through Effective Community Services, residents of the greater New Haven area with Husky D insurance may receive rent payment assistance. In order to be eligible, you must be a resident of the greater New Haven area and meet certain income requirements. For more information, you can call (203) 439-5555, ext. 1.

TEAM, Inc. Eviction Prevention Program/Foreclosure Prevention Program (EFPP)

If you’re experiencing an unexpected financial hardship or in danger of eviction or foreclosure, you may be able to receive payment assistance from TEAM, Inc. With their Eviction Prevention Program/Foreclosure Prevention Program (EFPP), you could receive up to $1,200. This organization serves residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Woodbridge.

Town of Hamden

The town of Hamden offers financial aid for residents struggling to pay their rent. You must be a renter living in the town of Hamden and meet the program’s requirements to be eligible. Visit the program’s website here for more information or assistance.

New London County

Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA)

Thames Valley Council for Community Action offers rental and mortgage payment assistance for low income families and those impacted by the pandemic. They also provide assistance with basic needs like food, transportation, and car repairs. 

Town of Groton

Residents of Groton may be eligible to receive help with rent payments when funds are available. To receive assistance, you need to meet certain income requirements and be current on rent payments. Visit the town of Groton’s website here for more information.

Town of Stonington

If you live in Stonington, you may be able to receive assistance with rent payments as well as a variety of other basic needs. You must be a resident of Stonington and your need for assistance will be assessed by the Social Service committee. Visit the town of Stonington’s website here for more information.

Tolland County

AIDS Connecticut

The AIDS Connecticut Housing Assistance Program grants up to $150 a month for individuals with HIV/AIDS living in Hartford, Middlesex, or Tolland County. You may be eligible for assistance if you’re at risk of homelessness, behind on rent payments, paying more than 50% of your income on rent, or at or under a certain income level.

Windham County

Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA)

Thames Valley Council for Community Action offers rental and mortgage payment assistance for low income families and those impacted by the pandemic. They also provide assistance with basic needs like food, transportation, and car repairs. 

Lydia Mockensturm has a BA in English and previously taught English as a second language. As a freelance writer and editor, she’s passionate about using her research and writing experience to help others find the resources they need.

Catherine Marucci

Wednesday 19th of April 2023

Hi Tiffany. Reaching out to the organizations above is a good start. You may have to speak with your landlord about a payment plan or other arrangements to catch up on back rent. Usually, willingness and making the effort to pay are welcome, although it depends on your individual situation.