SECURITY DEPOSIT GRANT PROGRAM

This program will continue until funds are no longer available.

How can I apply?:

  • The family can fill out and return an application printed here, picked up at the CIRHA office, received through the mail or fax from CIRHA, or from an agency that made the referral to CIRHA's Security Deposit Grant Program.

Who is eligible?

  • Individuals and families with a very-low income described as being at or below 50% of the median income for the county in which they will be living. Income Table
  • Families may have no more than $1,000 worth of accessible resources which include but are not limited to cash, checking, savings, cash value of insurance policy, stocks, bonds, scholarships, government grants, and student loans currently in deferment.
  • Families must use the security grant within the CIRHA service area. This includes the counties of Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, and Story (excluding the cities of Ames and Knoxville).
  • Applicants must show that the unit is affordable for the family/individual.
  • Applicants who were not previously on CIRHA's waiting list for rental assistance must apply to be put on the waiting list.

How can funds be used?

  • The Security Deposit grant must be used for rental property security deposit or utility deposits including gas, electric and water services.
  • The grant may not be used for payment of past due utility bills or special amenities, which may include but are not limited to deposits for pets, waterbed, telephone, or cable television, or additional deposits requested by the landlord due to applicants poor credit or landlord history. The grant may only be used for the base required deposit for all applicants.
  • The grant can not be used for a unit the family is currently occupying.

What type(s) of verification is needed?

  • The family must provide verification of the families income for the previous 90 days and verification of assets. The application process is not complete until the applicant has provided all the documents necessary for complete verification.
  • Families applying for rental security deposit assistance must provide written documentation from the landlord stating that the family has been approved for occupancy provided that the required security deposit is paid in full, the anticipated date of move in, the units monthly rental amount, and the required deposit amount. (Landlord verification form printable here or available from CIRHA)
  • Families applying for utility deposit assistance must provide written documentation from the utility company(s) stating that the family is eligible for utility hook up provided that the required deposit amount is paid in full. This statement should also include any outstanding balances held by the family, a description of any approved payment arrangements, and deposit amount necessary to establish basic utility service. (Utility verification form printable here or available from CIRHA)

Grant conditions...

  • Maximum dollar amount for family grant is $500.00. However, the grant may not exceed the actual amount of the required deposit(s).
  • The grant applicant will be responsible to pay the first $50.00 of the deposit directly to the landlord or utility company.
  • Households are limited to one grant in a lifetime(regardless of actual dollar amount of the total grant). All adult members of the household are considered grant recipients.
  • Approved families will be issued a printed voucher demonstrating that the forthcoming security deposit grant funds are guaranteed by CIRHA.
  • Printed checks will be issued and mailed directly to the individual/company requiring the deposit.
  • The family must agree to a 60 or 90 day follow up by a CIRHA staff member. The purpose of this follow up is to determine whether or not the family has actually established and is in stable, permanent housing. The findings will be kept confidential and will be used only to evaluate the success of the Security Deposit Grant Program.

Contact Jennifer Smith at (515) 986-1882 (ext.20) or email at cirha@cirhahome.org for more information regarding this program, or with any questions or concerns that you may have.

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Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program // Public Housing Program // Family Self Sufficiency Program // Public Housing Home Ownership Program // Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Option // Preliminary Application // Solicitud Preliminar Para Inquilino