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Struggling to Pay Rent and Utilities? Help is Available!

May 19th, 2021

Struggling to Pay Rent and Utilities? Help is Available!

TopLine Financial Credit Union and LSS Financial Counseling are here to help on your financial journey! Have you fallen behind on your rent and utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, or are you worried about future rent/utility payments? If you answered yes, you could benefit from RentHelpMN, a new state program from Minnesota Housing.

RentHelpMN is currently in Phase 1 of the program, in which only Minnesotans who currently are behind on rent and utilities can apply for assistance. In Phase 2, Minnesotans who are not past due on rent and utilities can apply if they are at risk of falling behind on future rent and utility payments.

Eligible Minnesota renters can receive help with rent, utility bills and additional housing costs (e.g., late fees) beginning March 13, 2020 and after. If you qualify, you could receive up to 15 months total assistance. Payments for past-due rent will be made in 3-month increments. Covered utilities include gas, electric, water, sewer and trash removal and will be paid once they are approved. Phone and internet services are not included.

Eligibility Guidelines

  • You must be a current Minnesota renter.
  • You must be impacted negatively by COVID-19. This could include job loss, eligibility for unemployment insurance, reduced work hours, increased costs, financial strain from caring for children while schools are closed, and financial strain because of health challenges.
  • Your annual household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income in your area. (If you are receiving government assistance, e.g., food support, housing subsidies, General Assistance, you likely will be eligible.)

Additional Information for Renters

  • The RentHelpMN renter’s checklist has information regarding income guidelines and a list of documents renters will need when they apply.
  • The RentHelpMN website has a page with answers to frequently asked questions.
  • You can apply online, or you can request that a paper application be mailed to you.
  • Call or text 2-1-1 if you have any additional questions regarding the RentHelpMN program or need support in applying. Multilingual staff are available to answer questions from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. LSS Housing Services will be one of the agencies administering the program.

Being a TopLine member gives you and your family access to up to six (6) free private and confidential financial education counseling sessions annually with a certified consumer credit counselor from LSS Financial Counseling. Sessions are available by phone, in-person or online. Contact LSS today for your free financial education session at 1-800-528-2926 or visit LSS online and mention you are a TopLine member.​​​​