On September 8, 2020, Governor Beshear announced the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund for Kentucky residents outside of Jefferson County. Jefferson County has its own program, which we discuss below. Governor Beshear has designated $15 million of federal funding from the CARES Act to assist Kentucky tenants and landlords with rent-related delinquencies. Although the Governor has extended the eviction moratorium through the end of 2020, this program will provide some of the financial needs of eligible tenants and landlords.

The application portal is now open here, with the Kentucky Housing Corporation planning to begin review of all applications on September 21. Both tenant and landlord must complete the application to reserve a place in line to receive payment, if eligible. Payments will be made directly to landlords for eligible missed rent going back to March 1, 2020. Although the application window is officially open until December 10, 2020, this is a first-come, first-served program and will close once all funding has been distributed. A full criteria listing is provided at the above-linked website.

The Team Kentucky Fund has also been established by Community Action Kentucky, Inc. to provide financial assistance to Kentuckians who have suffered economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who meet certain income thresholds and have encountered lost employment or a more-than-50% reduction in their gross income should consider applying. Additional information can be found on the Team Kentucky website here.

For Jefferson County residents, the Eviction Prevention COVID-19 Relief Fund has been set up to assist low-to-moderate income households avoid eviction. $21.2 million of federal CARES Act dollars have been allocated on a first-come, first served basis to this program. Three months of rent are available for households facing delinquencies related to COVID-19, with payments going directly to landlords. Specific eligibility information and an online application can be found on their website here.

This information is current as of September 11, 2020. Although we are happy to discuss general questions about these programs, specific questions should be addressed to the state or local entity overseeing the particular program of interest.