Application Checklists
What do I need to apply for NDRH if I am experiencing homelessness?
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of current income (if available), such as:
- 2020 tax return
- 1099 form
- Two most recent paystubs
- Approval letters from other income-tested programs (since January 2020), such as: HUD, Medicaid, WIC, Head Start, or other
- Note: Providing this information may help speed up our review of your application as we can accept eligibility from other approved federal programs.
- Any determination letter from unemployment insurance (dated March 13, 2020 or later)
- Copies of any past-due amount to a previous housing provider or utility company
What do I need to apply for NDRH if I am a housing provider?
- Government-issued photo ID (if registering as an individual, not a company)
- Proof of property ownership
- Supplier ID and Company ID from ND OMB vendor registration
- Lease agreement
- Information about past-due rent and other changes
- Information about rental assistance renter is receiving from a different program (if applicable)
User Guides and How-to Videos
Income Limit Charts
Additional Publications
1. Draft
- The application is initially set to the Draft stage when an application is started
- The application is still being completed and the applicant needs to finish completing the application in order to begin the process
2. Pending
Pending Housing Provider
- The application has been submitted and has not been matched to a Housing Provider yet
- The application is not ready to be reviewed
Pending Housing Renter
- The application has been submitted and has not been matched to a Renter yet
- The application is not ready to be reviewed
3. In Review
Application Review
- The application has been matched to a Housing Provider or has no Landlord (this would happen if the renter’s housing provider never created an application)
- The application is ready to be reviewed by the Tier I Case Reviewers
- Once a Tier I Case Reviewer has reviewed the application, they will either approve or reject the application
Final Reveiw
- The application is ready to be reviewed by the Tier II Case Reviewers
- Once a Tier II Case Reviewer has reviewed the application, they will either approve or reject the application
Funding Decision
- The application is ready to be reviewed by the Case Supervisor
- Once a Case Reviewer has reviewed the application, they will either approve or deny the application
- If Approved, it will move to Paid
- If Rejected, it will move to Re-review window
4. Determination
Payment Approved
- The application was approved
Rejected
- The application was denied or canceled
Re-Review In Progress
- A case supervisor will need to review the additional information provided and decide to accept the re-review or reject the re-review
- Accepting the re-review will resend application to Tier II Case Review
- Rejecting the re-review will move application to Rejected/Canceled
Cost Burden
When a household pays more than 30% of their gross income for housing. Cost burden is a risk factor for housing instability.
COVID-19 Hardship
Any financial impact that negatively affects a household’s ability to pay the costs of housing or basic living expenses, directly or indirectly, related to the pandemic.
Emergency Rent Bridge (ERB)
ND’s COVID-19 housing stability program operated May - Dec 2020. ERB was a precursor to ND Rent Help.
Eviction notice
A notice from a landlord to a renter that lists a court date for an eviction proceeding. There are many potential notices that lead up to a formal eviction notice, including a 3-day notice.
Household Income
The combined gross income of all members of a household age 18 or older.
Housing Provider Account
A unique account in the ND Rent Help system that allows a housing provider to provide information on their company. The housing provider account ties the ND Rent Help system to the housing provider’s vendor ID (OMB supplier ID and Company ID) to facilitate payment.
Housing Provider Profile
Property Specific information saved in the ND Rent Help system. Having a property profile means a housing provider only has to enter information about a property one time.
OMB
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is the state agency that manages the Vendor Registry, which is where housing and utility providers can obtain a supplier ID and company ID to facilitate receiving payments from ND Rent Help.
Ownership Documents
Evidence of property ownership. Can include a tax statement, deed, or other form of documentation that allows NDRH to validate property ownership.
The Program
The North Dakota Rent Help Program (sometimes abbreviated “NDRH”).
Rental obligation
The obligation a renter has to pay a housing provider for the right to use a leased property as their residence. Could include rent, utilities, or other fees as outlined in a rental agreement.
Renter
A person who occupies land or property rented from a Housing Provider.
Sole Proprietor
Unincorporated business with only one owner who pays personal income tax on profits earned. A sole proprietor will register as an “Individual” rather than a “Company” in the NDRH Housing Provider portal.
Supplier ID
Identification/account number from OMB Vendor Registry. Supplier ID, Company ID and Location ID/Nickname together connect a housing provider’s NDRH account to the corporate and/or banking information maintained in the OMB Vendor Registry.
AMI (annual median income)
The midpoint of the region’s income distribution, meaning that half of the households in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median. AMI is published for each county in the United States by U.S. Housing and Urban Development and is the basis for the ND Rent Help income thresholds.
Application Counselors
Individuals who are available to help applicants apply for ND Rent Help by helping applicants gather information, reviewing the applications for completeness, and helping to enter data into the online portal.
Attestation
The act of showing, proving, or stating something is true or real.
Case Reviewer
ND Rent Help staff who process applications for determination of eligibility.
CCAP
Also known as “Child Care Assistance Program.” Federal program that offers assistance to help income-eligible households pay for child care costs. A person who is eligible for CCAP will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
Cost Burden
When a household pays more than 30% of their gross income for housing. Cost burden is a risk factor for housing instability.
COVID-19 Hardship
Any financial impact that negatively affects a household’s ability to pay the costs of housing or basic living expenses, directly or indirectly, related to the pandemic.
ERA1
Also known as “ERAP1.” The funding source authorized as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which serves as a primary resource for ND Rent Help.
ERA2
Also known as “ERAP2.” The funding source authorized as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which serves as a primary resource for ND Rent Help.
Eviction
The act or process of officially forcing someone to leave a piece of property, as legally authorized by a court judgment.
Financial hardship
A material reduction in income or material increase in living expenses associated with the coronavirus pandemic that has created or increased a risk of rent or utility delinquency, default, loss of utilities or home energy services, or displacement for a renter.
Furloughed
Suspension or discharge of a worker or workers on account of economic conditions or shortage of work, especially when temporary.
Gross Income
Total income before taxes received within a specified period of time.
Head Start
Federally funded early learning program for children whose families are income-eligible. A person whose child(ren) are eligible for Head Start will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
Homelessness
An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes a living situation where you are temporarily doubled up with another household.
Household Income
The combined gross income of all members of a household age 18 or older.
Housing Choice Voucher
Formerly known as “Section 8.” Federal program that offers assistance to help income-eligible households pay for housing costs. A person who is receiving a Housing Choice Voucher will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help. Because it is another housing assistance program, ND Rent Help will have to verify that the assistance is not duplicative.
Housing Provider
Individual or Company operating as a rental provider in North Dakota.
Housing Stabilization
Is defined, for the purpose of the ERAP, as assistance that supports households in keeping their existing housing or identifying a new housing arrangement that will lead to greater housing stability.
HUD 202 rental subsidy
Also known as “Supportive Housing for the Elderly.” Federal program that offers assistance to help income and age-eligible households pay for housing costs. A person who is eligible for the HUD 202 program will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help. Because it is another housing assistance program, ND Rent Help will have to verify that the assistance is not duplicative.
HUD 811 rental subsidy
Also known as “Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities.” Federal program that offers assistance to help eligible households pay for housing costs. A person who is eligible for the HUD 811 program will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help. Because it is another housing assistance program, ND Rent Help will have to verify that the assistance is not duplicative.
Income documentation
Evidence, typically provided by a third party, that verifies a person’s earnings. Examples include W2s, income tax returns, pay stubs, letters of benefit.
Income Limits
The threshold against which a household’s gross income is measured, to help determine their eligibility for participation in ND Rent Help. ND Rent Help uses a maximum of 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as its upper income threshold.
Letter of Commitment
A document issued to someone who is experiencing homelessness, and who has been deemed eligible to participate in ND Rent Help, that authorizes funding for 12 months of rent and utility payments upon presentation of a valid rental agreement. Letters of Commitment are intended to help someone secure stable housing.
LIHEAP
Also known as “Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.” Federal program that offers assistance to help income-eligible households pay for home heating costs. A person who is eligible for LIHEAP will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
Medicaid
Federal program that provides healthcare coverage to income eligible households. A person who is eligible for Medicaid will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
ND Rent Help
The North Dakota emergency housing assistance program that utilizes ERA1 and ERA2 funding to increase housing stability and prevent eviction. ND Rent Help replaces North Dakota’s Emergency Rent Bridge program.
Past due rent
Rent not paid by the assigned date.
Past due utilities
Utilities not paid by the assigned date.
Payee
A person or entity to whom money is owed. For ND Rent Help, these typically include the housing providers and/or utility providers.
Persistent Poverty
A county that has reported a poverty rate of 20% or greater for at least 30 consecutive years. In North Dakota both Benson and Sioux counties are designated as “persistent poverty” counties. Any renter who lives in a designated persistent poverty county is automatically deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
Portal
The online location the stores all ND Rent Help application information -- Eligibiity requirements, program information, your account information, and help/support.
Proof of homelessness
Documentation that can help validate that a person does not have housing. Can include confirmation from a case worker at an emergency shelter, transitional housing program, hospital or institution; an eviction notice effective within the last 7 days; or evidence of living status as captured in the state Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Recertification
Review that verifies continued eligibility for participation in ND Rent Help. Recertification for ND Rent Help typically occurs once every three months.
Rent Payment
The sum or amount agreed in a rental agreement.
Rent-to-own Agreements
A legal agreement that gives the individual either the option or obligation to purchase a property at a specified point in time.
SSI
Also known as “Supplemental Security Income.” Federal program that offers a monthly benefit to provide financial resources to eligible households. A person who is eligible for SSI will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
SNAP
Also known as “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.” Federal program that offers nutrition assistance to eligible households. A person who is eligible for SNAP will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
TANF
Also known as “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.” Federal program that offers assistance to eligible households. A person who is eligible for TANF will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
U.S. Department of Treasury (or Treasury)
Is the federal agency recognized as the grantor of the ERAP program and the provider of the governing program guidelines under which ND Rent Help is implemented.
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Temporary financial assistance you may be eligible to receive if you become unemployed through no fault of your own (as determined by federal and state law) and you meet other eligibility requirements. Demonstrating eligibility for Unemployment Insurance can be used to help determine eligibility for ND Rent Help.
USDA Rural Development Rent Assistance
Also known as “USDA 515.” Federal program that offers assistance to help income eligible households pay for housing costs. A person who is eligible for a USDA 515 subsidy will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help. Because it is another housing assistance program, ND Rent Help will have to verify that the assistance is not duplicative.
Utility
ND Rent Help can provide assistance with utilities, which include electricity, gas, water, wastewater and garbage services.
VASH
Also known as “Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing.” Federal program that offers assistance to help eligible households pay for housing costs. A person who is receiving a VASH Voucher will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help. Because it is another housing assistance program, ND Rent Help will have to verify that the assistance is not duplicative.
WIC
Also known as “Women, Infants and Children.” Federal program that offers nutrition assistance to eligible households. A person who is eligible for WIC will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
See the impact ND Rent Help has on North Dakota individuals and families in the Data Dashboard.
AMI (annual median income)
The midpoint of the region’s income distribution, meaning that half of the households in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median. AMI is published for each county in the United States by U.S. Housing and Urban Development and is the basis for the ND Rent Help income thresholds.
Application Counselors
Individuals who are available to help applicants apply for ND Rent Help by helping applicants gather information, reviewing the applications for completeness, and helping to enter data into the online portal.
Attestation The act of showing, proving, or stating something is true or real.
CCAP
Also known as “Child Care Assistance Program.” Federal program that offers assistance to help income-eligible households pay for child care costs. A person who is eligible for CCAP will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
Cost Burden
When a household pays more than 30% of their gross income for housing. Cost burden is a
risk factor for housing instability.
COVID-19 Hardship
Any financial impact that negatively affects a household’s ability to pay the costs of housing or basic living expenses, directly or indirectly, related to the pandemic.
ERA1
Also known as “ERAP1.” The funding source authorized as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which serves as a primary resource for ND Rent Help.
ERA2
Also known as “ERAP2.” The funding source authorized as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which serves as a primary resource for ND Rent Help.
Eviction
The act or process of officially forcing someone to leave a piece of property, as legally authorized by a court judgment.
Financial hardship
A material reduction in income or material increase in living expenses associated with the coronavirus pandemic that has created or increased a risk of rent or utility delinquency, default, loss of utilities or home energy services, or displacement for a renter.
Furloughed
Suspension or discharge of a worker or workers on account of economic conditions or shortage of work, especially when temporary.
Gross Income
Total income before taxes received within a specified period of time.
Head Start
Federally funded early learning program for children whose families are income-eligible. A person whose child(ren) are eligible for Head Start will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
Homelessness
An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes a living situation where you are temporarily doubled up with another household.
Household Income
The combined gross income of all members of a household age 18 or older.
Housing Choice Voucher
Formerly known as “Section 8.” Federal program that offers assistance to help income-eligible households pay for housing costs. A person who is receiving a Housing Choice Voucher will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help. Because it is another housing assistance program, ND Rent Help will have to verify that the assistance is not duplicative.
HUD 202 rental subsidy
Also known as “Supportive Housing for the Elderly”. Federal program that offers assistance to help income and age-eligible households pay for housing costs. A person who is eligible for the HUD 202 program will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help. Because it is another housing assistance program, ND Rent Help will have to verify that the assistance is not duplicative.
HUD 811 rental subsidy
Also known as “Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities”. Federal program that offers assistance to help eligible households pay for housing costs. A person who is eligible for the HUD 811 program will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help. Because it is another housing assistance program, ND Rent Help will have to verify that the assistance is not duplicative.
Income documentation
Evidence, typically provided by a third party, that verifies a person’s earnings. Examples include W2s, income tax returns, pay stubs, letters of benefit.
Letter of Commitment
A document issued to someone who is experiencing homelessness, and who has been deemed eligible to participate in ND Rent Help, that authorizes funding for 12 months of rent and utility payments upon presentation of a valid rental agreement. Letters of Commitment are intended to help someone secure stable housing.
LIHEAP
Also known as “Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program”. Federal program that offers assistance to help income-eligible households pay for home heating costs. A person who is eligible for LIHEAP will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
Medicaid
Federal program that provides healthcare coverage to income eligible households. A person who is eligible for Medicaid will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
ND Rent Help
The North Dakota emergency housing assistance program that utilizes ERA1 and ERA2 funding to increase housing stability and prevent eviction. ND Rent Help replaces North Dakota’s Emergency Rent Bridge program.
Past due rent
Rent not paid by the assigned date.
Past due utilities
Utilities not paid by the assigned date.
Persistent Poverty
A county that has reported a poverty rate of 20% or greater for at least 30 consecutive years. In North Dakota both Benson and Sioux counties are designated as “persistent poverty” counties. Any renter who lives in a designated persistent poverty county is automatically deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
Portal
The online location the stores all ND Rent Help application information -- Eligibiity requirements, program information, your account information, and help/support.
Proof of homelessness
Documentation that can help validate that a person does not have housing. Can include confirmation from a case worker at an emergency shelter, transitional housing program, hospital or institution; an eviction notice effective within the last 7 days; or evidence of living status as captured in the state Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Rent Payment
The sum or amount agreed in a rental agreement.
SSI
Also known as “Supplemental Security Income.” Federal program that offers a monthly benefit to provide financial resources to eligible households. A person who is eligible for SSI will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
SNAP
Also known as “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.” Federal program that offers nutrition assistance to eligible households. A person who is eligible for SNAP will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
TANF
Also known as “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.” Federal program that offers assistance to eligible households. A person who is eligible for TANF will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.
U.S. Department of Treasury (or Treasury)
Is the federal agency recognized as the grantor of the ERAP program and the provider of the governing program guidelines under which ND Rent Help is implemented.
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Temporary financial assistance you may be eligible to receive if you become unemployed through no fault of your own (as determined by federal and state law) and you meet other eligibility requirements. Demonstrating eligibility for Unemployment Insurance can be used to help determine eligibility for ND Rent Help.
USDA Rural Development Rent Assistance
Also known as “USDA 515.” Federal program that offers assistance to help income eligible households pay for housing costs. A person who is eligible for a USDA 515 subsidy will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help. Because it is another housing assistance program, ND Rent Help will have to verify that the assistance is not duplicative.
Utility
ND Rent Help can provide assistance with utilities, which include electricity, gas, water, wastewater and garbage services.
VASH
Also known as “Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing.” Federal program that offers assistance to help eligible households pay for housing costs. A person who is receiving a VASH Voucher will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help. Because it is another housing assistance program, ND Rent Help will have to verify that the assistance is not duplicative.
WIC
Also known as “Women, Infants and Children.” Federal program that offers nutrition assistance to eligible households. A person who is eligible for WIC will automatically be deemed income eligible for ND Rent Help.