Cera Application Status ⏬👇

Beginning on March 15, 2021, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will manage the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program via its network of local nonprofit groups. CERA may give qualified renter families rental and utility support to maintain home stability. There are lots of applications to CERA. People want to learn their Cera Application Status. Therefore, this short article will cover how to know your Cera Application Status.

Cera Application Status

Learning your Cera Application Status is easy. There are simple steps to follow to understand your application status. But first, you need to know if you are eligible for CERA. CERA can serve renter households with incomes less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) if they meet the following criteria: 

• Individual(s) in residence have been eligible for unemployment payments, have experienced a decrease in household income, incurred high costs, or have experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus epidemic.
• Individuals in the family who are behind on utilities or rent may be at risk of suffering homelessness or residential instability.

How do I apply for CERA?

• Use the safe web entry gateway (button “Apply Now”) to submit your aid application.

• This is the optimal application method for people with smartphones, tablets, or computers. Additionally, tenants and landlords may apply via their local service agency.

• If you cannot apply online, please consult the CERA Contact List for your county’s service agency.

How Does Cera Pay for Rental Assistance?

When your CERA Application Status is appropriate, you get your rental assistance. The assistance is deposited directly to the account you provided for rent. Cera can cover:

• Up to 50% of the area median income — up to 15 months of rental assistance

• 50% to 80% of the area median income — up to 13 months of rental assistance

• Tenants may apply for an extra three months of rental aid for housing stability, if they do not exceed the 15- or 13-month maximums.

Additionally, utility help is available. CERA families are eligible for utility assistance for renter electricity, domestic heating (any fuel), water, sewage, and garbage (if billed along with another utility).

Which Households Are Prioritized?

The program prioritizes homes with earnings less than 50 percent of the local median income. Houses with one or more persons who have been unemployed for at least 90 days before the date of application are also prioritized. MSHDA has executed this prioritizing by reserving 70% of CERA program money for these families and providing 15 months of support. Only 13 months of support are available to households that do not fall under this priority category.