Montrose County HHS pays monthly cash benefit for rent

Montrose County officials recognize that rent can be unaffordable for a family in crisis. To meet this increasing need in the community, local government has implemented programs to ensure that people do not have to fall behind on rent and face eviction.

Many clients already visit the social workers at Montrose County Health and Human Services (HHS). They do so for help with a number of benefit needs, including utilities, food and emergency aid. Rent is the biggest expense that they face.

There are multiple ways that social workers can help a tenant with rent increases or a budget shortfall that could lead to late payments. These methods provide aid to hundreds of local tenants who might go homeless otherwise.

Aid to the Needy Disabled

One county program is Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND), which focuses on providing cash assistance to those who cannot work. The program targets individuals who are disabled and are likely to be approved for social security disability benefits.

Even though SSI benefits can help pay rent, often it can take six months or more before the benefit payments are actually received. Landlords don’t have the luxury of waiting for this aid, even though they understand that back payments are paid once the client is approved for disability benefits.

To make sure that these people are not evicted, the AND program distributes a small cash payment every month to help them make ends meet. This can be the difference between having enough money for rent and falling short. Even if a landlord accepts a partial payment, a late fee can start a snowball effect that can have disastrous results.

Old Age Pension

Seniors could receive cash payments and medical assistance as a part of the Old Age Pension (OAP) program. This is another rental assistance and social welfare service that is intended for poor individuals, and it is limited to those aged 60 and above.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families

The county can provide federal TANF funds for local families who are experiencing hardship. Families with small children or women who are pregnant could receive monthly cash payments to cover some of rent and other living costs.

Colorado Works

Temporary cash payments are available to unemployed residents who are participating in Colorado Works employment programs. The aid payments can keep rent current while an applicant takes advantage of job training and career guidance support services.

SNAP

Anyone eligible for or receiving SNAP payments may be able to obtain an increase in the monthly support allowance. This may occur if rent increases, since that would count as an increased deduction. Deductions are used to calculate SNAP allowances.

For more information on how Montrose County HHS can help with rent payments, call the Montrose office at 970-252-5000 or the Nucla office at 970-864-7319.