Applications Available for COVID Rental, Utility Assistance Program Starts May 10

The County of Kaua‘i’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program, administered by Kaua‘i Government Employees Federal Credit Union (KGEFCU), will be accepting online applications starting 6 a.m., on May 10, at www.KauaiRentHelp.com.

In-person application assistance will be available at the Līhu‘e Civic Center Pi‘ikoi Building on May 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Households that have been impacted, directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 pandemic and are past due on their rent and/or utilities are encouraged to apply for the program.

Eligible applicants may receive up to $4,500 per month for rent and no cap per month for qualifying utilities. Information is required from both tenants and landlords in order for an application to be completed and qualify for the program. Cooperation from both parties is greatly appreciated.

Persons without internet access or a computer are encouraged to visit one of KGEFCU’s satellite locations around Kaua‘i or reach out to your local library for computer availability. Schedules and more information on additional in-person application locations will be available soon at www.KauaiRentHelp.com.

Those in need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact KGEFCU at [email protected] as soon as possible. Include “ADA” in the subject line of the email. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request.

To qualify for rent and/or utility assistance, applicants must meet the following criteria:

·Be a Kaua‘i County resident
·Be at least 18 years old
·Be a renter
·Have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic or experienced significant increased costs or other financial hardship, directly or indirectly related to the outbreak, and have an annual gross household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI) for the number of members in their household.

For reference, the following illustrates the 80% AMI for various household sizes:

o 1 person: $57,100
o 2 persons: $65,250
o 3 persons: $73,400
o 4 persons: $81,550
o 5 persons: $88,100
o 6 persons: $94,600
o 7 persons: $101,150
o 8 persons: $107,650

Households with income of no more than 50% percent of the AMI or in which one or more household member(s) is unemployed and has been unemployed for 90 days will be prioritized.

Funding will be limited to households’ primary residence on Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. Households will be limited to 12 months of total grant assistance.

More information on Kaua‘i’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program will be provided on www.KauaiRentHelp.com. Interested households may also email [email protected] for assistance with completing their application.