Financial support for Missouri renters impacted by COVID-19

March 31, 2021

For those struggling to pay rent or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Missouri State Assistance For Housing Relief (SAFHR) may be able to help. SAFHR for Renters is an assistance program administered by the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC), funded by the federal government COVID stimulus package.

SAFHR for Renters helps to provide rent and utility assistance for eligible Missouri residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, covers up to a total of 12 months of rent and utility bills, back to April 2020 and for up to three months in the future and helps with utilities including gas, electric, water, sewage/waste water, fuel (propane, wood, etc.) and trash, with the money being paid directly to the landlord or utility company.

Those eligible for SAFHR for Renters must be a resident of the state of Missouri and a renter at their current or previous address; at least one member of the household must be financially impacted – directly or indirectly – as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This could mean someone in the household has lost a job, had reduced pay or incurred significant COVID-related expenses. Renters must be at risk of losing their housing or having the utilities shut off due to this financial hardship.

The recipient’s income must not exceed 80 percent of their Area Median Income (AMI). This is determined by the county where the recipient resides, along with their household size.

Anyone interested can determine if they meet the income requirements by viewing the SAFHR income ranges worksheet at mohousingresources.com/safhr. This is also the email address in which to apply. After verifying eligibility review the complete checklist of required materials. Create an account and fill in the required information in the Tenant Information portion. If applying for rental assistance, one will be directed to send the application to their landlord for additional information. When this is complete, the individual will be notified to submit their application.

If corrections are required, the individual applying will be notified to update the information and resubmit. It’s okay if a mistake is made. There will be an opportunity to correct it without having to reapply. Once any corrections are completed, payment typically occurs within two to four weeks. The applicant will be emailed about the status of their application as it is processed.

For those needing help with their application either call 1-833-541-1599 or visit mo.safhr@mhdc.com.