Quick answer
California’s statewide COVID-19 Rent Relief program closed its application portal after March 31, 2022, and the state’s Housing Is Key site now says the program is closed after assisting more than 371,000 households. The federal money behind it ended September 30, 2025. For rent help now: families eligible for CalWORKs can get Permanent Homeless Assistance for a security deposit and last month’s rent or up to two months of back rent to stop an eviction, through the county welfare office; everyone else should dial 211 for county and city rent programs and charities, and apply for a Housing Choice Voucher for ongoing help. Applying is free.
Key facts
- The statewide program is closed. The portal stopped accepting new applications after March 31, 2022; Housing Is Key reports more than $4.7 billion paid to 371,000+ households.
- Treasury’s ERA2 period of performance ended September 30, 2025, so no new pandemic-style rent relief can be funded.
- CalWORKs Homeless Assistance is the current state help for families: temporary shelter at $85 a day (up to $145 for larger families) for up to 16 days, and permanent assistance for deposits or up to two months of arrears.
- Counties and cities run their own rent programs with their own budgets; 211 knows which are open.
- No legitimate program charges a fee to apply.
Table of contents
Is the California rent relief program still open?
No. The California COVID-19 Rent Relief program, run by the Department of Housing and Community Development through the Housing Is Key portal, paid back rent and utilities for low-income renters with a pandemic hardship. HCD closed the portal to new applications after March 31, 2022 so it could finish processing the applications already filed. The state’s Housing Is Key site now states that the program is closed and that it assisted over 371,000 households with more than $4.7 billion in rent and utility assistance.
The federal source has ended as well. The U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance page states that the ERA2 period of performance ended on September 30, 2025. That is why no statewide California rent relief program has replaced it.
Watch out: sites that copy the “Housing Is Key” name and offer a “2026 California rent relief application” for a fee are scams. The real state program is closed, and the real local programs below never charge.
What is CalWORKs Homeless Assistance and what does it pay?
For families with children, the state’s standing rent program is CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA). The California Department of Social Services says the program helps CalWORKs families “meet the costs of securing or maintaining permanent housing or to provide emergency shelter,” and it serves CalWORKs recipients and apparently eligible applicants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, according to the CDSS Homeless Assistance page.
| Type | What it pays | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary HA | Hotel or motel costs while you look for housing: $85 per day for a family of four or fewer, plus $15 for each additional member, up to $145 a day | Up to 16 days, once every 12 months, with exceptions |
| Permanent HA | Security deposit and last month’s rent to move in, or up to two months of rent arrearages to prevent an eviction | Once every 12 months, with exceptions |
HA is administered through CalWORKs at the county level, so you apply at your county welfare office. CDSS notes that families in need may get “immediate short-term help” with housing, food, and utilities while a CalWORKs application is pending. Monthly CalWORKs cash aid depends on family size and income.
What county and city rent help exists in California?
Without a statewide program, California rent relief is local. HCD funds counties and cities, which run programs under their own names and budgets, and large counties and cities add their own money. Examples of the kinds of programs that exist: county homelessness prevention programs for households at immediate risk of eviction, city-funded emergency rent relief in some large cities, and nonprofit funds for seniors and families. Because they open and close as money is spent, the reliable path is:
- Dial 211. California’s 211 providers list every open rent and deposit program by county, and calls are confidential. See 211.org.
- Coordinated entry. HUD’s Emergency Solutions Grants fund homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing through local nonprofits, per HUD Exchange; 211 can direct you to your area’s intake.
- Charities. Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and Jewish Family Services pay landlords directly, usually once, after an appointment.
- Housing Choice Vouchers. Apply with your county or city housing authority; many keep waiting lists open online.
- Utility help to free up cash. California’s LIHEAP is delivered by local agencies; find yours at EnergyHelp.us or 1-866-674-6327. LIHEAP never charges a fee.
What if I already have an eviction notice?
- Do not miss the court deadline. In California you have a short window to respond to an unlawful detainer complaint; missing it usually means losing by default.
- Get free legal help. Legal aid organizations and court self-help centers assist low-income tenants at no cost; 211 can connect you. Many counties have eviction defense programs.
- If you have children, apply for CalWORKs Permanent HA at the county office immediately and tell them you have a court date; it can pay up to two months of arrears.
- Get the landlord’s written agreement to accept a payment and dismiss the case. Agencies pay faster with it.
How do I apply, step by step?
- Families with children: apply for CalWORKs and Homeless Assistance at your county welfare office or through the state’s online benefits portal; ask for HA by name.
- Everyone: dial 211 for county and city rent programs, charities, and legal aid, and book the earliest appointment.
- Apply for a Housing Choice Voucher with every housing authority that serves your area.
- Lower other bills: apply for CalFresh (California’s SNAP; estimate with our SNAP calculator) and LIHEAP.
Applying is free. County offices, 211, housing authorities, charities, and legal aid never charge to apply.
For more specifics, see our guides on emergency rent relief by state and getting help paying for a hotel room.
Related guides
- Programs that help pay rent
- Immediate hotel vouchers for people who are homeless
- Hardship grants for individuals
- Housing help: vouchers, affordable housing, and paths to owning
Frequently asked questions
Is the California rent relief program still accepting applications?
No. The statewide COVID-19 Rent Relief program closed to new applications after March 31, 2022, and Housing Is Key now lists it as closed. Rent help comes from CalWORKs Homeless Assistance, county and city programs, charities, and Housing Choice Vouchers.
How much does CalWORKs Homeless Assistance pay?
Temporary HA pays $85 a day for a family of four or fewer, plus $15 per additional member up to $145 a day, for up to 16 days. Permanent HA pays a security deposit and last month’s rent, or up to two months of back rent to prevent eviction.
Who do I call for rent help in California?
Dial 211 for county and city rent programs, charities, and legal aid. Families with children should also contact their county CalWORKs office.
Can I get rent help in California without children?
Yes, through county and city programs, charities, HUD-funded homelessness prevention, and Housing Choice Vouchers. CalWORKs Homeless Assistance is limited to families with children.
Is there emergency rent money for seniors in California?
Some counties and nonprofits run programs for older renters. Ask 211 and your county’s Area Agency on Aging what is open.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on October 24, 2026. If a source and this page ever disagree, follow the source.
- California Department of Social Services: CalWORKs Homeless Assistance
- California Department of Social Services: CalWORKs overview
- Housing Is Key (California HCD): COVID-19 Rent Relief program status
- U.S. Treasury: Emergency Rental Assistance program status
- HUD Exchange: Emergency Solutions Grants program requirements
- EnergyHelp.us: LIHEAP office search and hotline (HHS)
- 211.org: find your local 211
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice, and not an application. Program rules and funding change; confirm with your county or the agency that runs the program. National Relief Program is an independent website, not a government agency.
Before you apply: program rules, amounts, and deadlines change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program administrator. Applying for government benefits is free.
National Relief Program is an independent guide, not a government agency. Spotted an error? Email support@nationalreliefprogram.org.
