The Illinois Supreme Court issued an order on September 13, 2021, directing that information on a new $60 million Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (“CBRAP”) be provided to litigants in eviction courts across the state. Up to 12 months of past-due rent and three months of future rent per applicant can be paid for by the program.
The new court-based relief program will be administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Landlords and tenants must provide documentation in order to qualify for the program, though proof of citizenship is not required. If the two sides opt into the program, tenants cannot be evicted for overdue rent. The Supreme Court order was recommended by the Illinois Judicial Conference’s Court Operations During COVID-19 Task Force. Eviction relief in Cook County will be administered through a separate program.
Unlike other rental assistance programs, the CBRAP will allow for expedited processing and will have a designated phone number for individual court employees to call and direct questions on the program. It is intended that this program will act as a safety net for litigants who are on the brink of eviction. As a condition of receiving rental assistance (from the CBRAP as well as the other rental assistance programs), landlords agree not to evict the tenant for nonpayment of the rent that is repaid.
For more information or if you have any questions about the CBRAP, please contact the attorneys at Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC.