I’m short on rent in Norwich Connecticut, please help

(Request from Eugene in Norwich, Connecticut) Im only working part time as I lost my job last year. My wife is disabled on ssi and we couldn’t meet the rent payment this month, I’m 590.00 short and i dont know were to turn to. I’m so stressed out I keep getting calls from the owner when is he getting the rest of the rent. I’m being charged 25.00 a day late fee. Jan rent is coming up soon so im trying to save for it. I’m very stressed out please help ASAP.

Dear Eugene,

A late fee of $25 per day is a very steep penalty. I want to help you find the help that you need so that you are caught up with your rent. There are a couple of primary options that I would recommend you start with.

Rental Assistance Grants up to $1200

The Thames Valley Council for Community Action does provide an eviction and foreclosure prevention program. The program serves lower-income households that have recently experienced a temporary crisis. This means that you would not be a candidate if you suffer from chronic financial problems. You’ll need to meet the following requirements:

  • You can earn more than 60% of the state median income level. This limit applies to the entire household, including all public assistance received as well.
  • Your rent must be affordable as a percentage of your income. If you spend more than 60% of your gross monthly income on rent payments, you’ll be expected to move into a less expensive rental property.
  • A cooperative landlord is a requirement. Will your landlord agree to mediation?
  • You must document a bona fide hardship. Can you prove that your financial problems are only temporary in nature?
  • You must be able to afford future rent payments. If the agency gives you cash assistance, will you be able to stay current on all future rent payments?
  • You must be a resident of New London County. Can you prove a history of residency?
  • You must have received an eviction notice (notice to quit).

If you pass the eligibility test, you may receive a rental assistance grant of up to $1200. Your case manager will help you determine if you qualify. To schedule an appointment, call Thames Valley Council for Community Action at 860-425-6545.

Emergency Rent Aid up to $400

The Norwich Corps Community Center is administered by the Salvation Army. Funding levels fluctuate depending on FEMA payments to the agency.

If your request for funding is approved, the payment would go directly to your landlord. Even if you need more than $400, this could be enough to combine with your current savings to help you make your complete rent payment.

To request assistance, you may visit the Salvation Army’s office at 262 Main St. in Norwich, or you may call 860-889-2329.

Permanent Rental Assistance

While the previous two agencies assist with temporary hardship, the Connecticut Department of Social Services administers a rental assistance program provides ongoing financial support to lower-income households that struggle to meet ordinary rent payments on a permanent basis. This is not necessarily a housing project.

If you qualify for help and clear the waiting list backlog, your landlord may begin to receive rent subsidies on your behalf that cover a portion of your normal rent payments. You would only be responsible for the remainder.

Unfortunately there could be as many as 2000 other applicants ahead of you on the waiting list. You would need contact your local social services office to inquire about whether or not they are accepting new applicants for the wait list.

Grants versus Loans

You’d be wise to maximize all available grant funding before taking on any loans to pay your rent. Rent loans frequently carry higher interest rates than other types of loans. Having to pay a loan payment in addition to your rent payment can make it even more difficult to afford all of your monthly obligations. Therefore you should carefully consider your ability to repay any loan prior to applying. Rent help in Norwich, Ct is available for lower income households, so it is advantageous to maximize the free help before borrowing money. Even if you don’t qualify, the case manager may be able to refer you to an alternate program that may be a better fit.