Governor Mills and MaineHousing established a new rental assistance relief program for Mainers who cannot pay their rent due to COVID-19. The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program is meant to help Maine renters bridge the gap between today and the arrival of state unemployment funds and federal stimulus money.
The program provides up to $500 for 10,000 Maine individuals and families who have lost wages due to the coronavirus pandemic, and who need help to pay either April or May rent. It does not act as full payment if rent is higher, but is a bridge to other programs until they begin; however, landlords who accept the funds agree not to evict the tenants for that month. Households are eligible if they earn up to 100% of the state median income* and are not already in another subsidized program, which have other alternatives for rental payments.
The program is structured to get money to people who need it as quickly as possible through a streamlined application process. Applicants apply online at mainehousing.org/covidrent. If you don’t have access to the internet or have questions about the program, reach out to us at MMCA.
Residents in Sagadahoc, Lincoln and norther Cumberland Counties may qualify for additional rental assistance through Midcoast Maine Community Action, along with a host of other programs for which they are eligible or newly eligible. Please contact Missy Kettell at 207-522-2745 or melissa.kettell@mmcacorp.org to learn more about Covid-19 Rental Relief and other MMCA services.
*State Median Income per Month Guidelines
| 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
| $3,696 | $4,833 | $5,971 | $7,108 | $8,245 | $9,382 | $9,596 | $9,809 |