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1. How do I apply?

Applicants may go online to www.piercecountywa.gov/housinghelp to find applications for COVID-19 emergency rental assistance, mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention counseling. 

2. What is the application process?

Rental Assistance

Once the application is submitted, a service provider, contracted with Pierce County, will reach out to the applicant within 48-72 business hours to continue the rental assistance process. The service provider will ensure the application is complete, the applicant is eligible, and if so, begin the process to disburse funds to the landlord.

Mortgage Assistance

Once the application is submitted, a foreclosure prevention counseling agency, contracted with Pierce County, will reach out to the applicant within 15 days. The foreclosure prevention counselor  will ensure the application is complete, the applicant is eligible, and if so, begin the process foreclosure prevention counseling and providing mortgage assistance.  

3. How long will it take?

Rental Assistance

The time frame for coordinating with the landlord and determining that a client is eligible will vary. It is dependent upon how quickly landlords and applicants can verify rent due and payment details. Payments are made directly to landlords.  

Mortgage Assistance

The time frame for coordinating with the owner and mortgage loan servicer will vary. Payments are made directly to mortgage companies, banks and/or loan servicers.   

4. When/how will I be notified when I am approved?

Rental Assistance

A service provider will work with the applicant to determine eligibility. If the applicant is approved the service provider will communicate the approval via email or phone.

Mortgage Assistance

The foreclosure prevention counseling agency will work with the applicant to determine eligibility. If the applicant is approved the foreclosure prevention counseling agency will communicate the approval via email or phone.

5. Who do I contact if I need assistance with the application?

For assistance filling out your rental or mortgage application, call 253-798-7171.

6. Who do I contact if I’m experiencing technical difficulties?

Please e-mail preventionrentalassistance@piercecountywa.gov 

7. What documents can I use as evidence of income?

Rental Assistance

Participants can submit wage statements, unemployment compensation statements, pay stubs, public benefits statements and bank statements as evidence of income.

Mortgage Assistance

Participants can submit wage statements, unemployment compensation statements, pay stubs, public benefits statements and bank statements as evidence of income. The foreclosure prevention counseling agency may request additional proof of income as needed.

8. How do I know if my income qualifies for assistance?

Rental Assistance

Households must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income based on their current annual income. 

Household Income Limits – 80% Area Median Income

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Income Limit (Maximum)	$48,450	$55,400	$62,300	$69,200	$74,750	$80,300	$85,850	$91,350

Mortgage Assistance

Households must be at or below 100% of Area Median Income based on their current annual income. This excludes the $600.00 provided via the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program.

Household Income Limits – 100% Area Median Income

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Income Limit (Maximum)	$60,600	$69,200	$77,900	$86,500	$93,500	$100,400	$107,300	$114,200

9. Does this replace the old Rental Assistance program managed by Share and Care House?

Yes. This is the new program that has multiple providers, although Share and Care House is still one of them. Anyone wanting to apply for rental assistance now should do so through our online application, not Share and Care House directly.

10. If I received previous emergency COVID-19 rental assistance from Share and Care House am I eligible to apply for this rental assistance?

No.

11. Does this serve people in Tacoma?

This program serves all of Pierce County, even residents who live within the City of Tacoma.