Illinois Asylum Seekers Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Last revised: Nov. 29, 2023
General
1. What is the Illinois Asylum Seekers Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ASERAP)?
2. Who is an eligible asylum seeker?
3. When is the ASERAP application period?
4. What is the maximum award amount?
5. How will asylum seekers apply for the ASERAP?
6. Who is the contact for any ASERAP issues?
7. Can asylum seekers choose where in Illinois they want to be housed?
Applicant
8. What can asylum seekers do to prepare for the application?
9. Will the rental assistance need to be paid back?
10. How can applicants check the status of their applications?
11. Is the ASERAP considered a public charge benefit?
12. Why is COVID-19 a condition in the application if the program is not an emergency response
program for COVID-19?
13. What will the recertification process look like (for those that qualify)?
14. Will applicants be eligible for this assistance if they independently seek available housing and do not
use the housing locator onsite?
15. Can applicants be serviced virtually through Zoom or Teams?
16. What is the turnaround time for applications to be approved and funded?
Landlord
17. How do landlords apply for the program?
18. What type of lease do I need to enter with the prospective tenant?
19. I received a notification that a tenant started an application for the program. What does that mean?
20. Is there a maximum monthly rent that landlords cannot exceed while participating in the program?
21. How much assistance can my tenant receive?
22. How will funding be distributed to my tenant?
23. Will landlords have to repay any funds?
24. Will landlords pay taxes on funds?
25. Will the ASERAP pay for utilities?
26. How will I be notified if the application has been approved?
27. How will I be notified if funding has been sent?
28. Who do I contact with questions regarding the program?
29. Is there a priority population for this program?
30. Will I have a say in who my tenants will be?
HSS Agencies
31. What is the role of the Housing Stability Service (HSS) agencies?
32. Do HSS agencies need to be HUD-certified or HUD-approved to participate?
33. What services are HSS agencies expected to provide for applicants?
34. Are agencies required to have staff at the hotel sites where the asylum seekers are residing for a
minimum number of hours/days per week?
35. How are HSS agencies expected to report the work done for this program?
36. Will HSS agency counselors have access to print out the applications at the shelter sites?
Troubleshooting
37. How can I check the status of my submitted application?
38. How do I upload additional documents to my application?
39. I submitted the wrong document. How can I fix it?
40. What do I do if I forgot my username or password?
41. I have not received any update emails. Who should I contact?
42. Can I start my application and finish later?
43. What happens after I submit my application?
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: Information included in this document will be updated on a regular basis when applicable.
General
1. What is the Illinois Asylum Seekers Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ASERAP)?
• The Asylum Seekers Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides temporary rental assistance
grants to asylum seekers that arrived beginning on Wednesday, August. 31, 2022, from Texas to
the state of Illinois. ASERAP can cover rent for up to a total of 6 or the total cap of $15,000.00,
whichever comes first. For applications submitted on or after November 20, 2023, the program
can cover rent for up to three months and, if eligible, a move-in fee. For applications that were
submitted prior to midnight on November 19, 2023, you may still qualify for an additional three
months. You will be required to recertify if you are eligible.
2. Who is an eligible asylum seeker?
• An asylum seeker that arrived beginning, on Wednesday, August. 31, 2022, from Texas to the
state of Illinois and resides in a city or state shelter or intermediate housing from August 31,
2022 – Thursday, November 16, 2023. If the asylum seeker arrived in city or state shelter or
intermediate housing on or after Friday, November 17, 2022, they are not ASERAP eligible.
3. When is the ASERAP application period?
• The portal opened on Monday, December 5, 2022. No end date for the application period has
been determined, and the portal is currently open.
4. What is the maximum award amount?
• ASERAP can cover rent for up to a total of six months or the total cap of $15,000.00, whichever
comes first. For applications that are submitted on or after November 20, 2023, the program
can cover up to three months and for applications that were submitted prior to midnight on
November 19, 2023, you may still qualify for an additional three months. You will be required to
recertify if you are eligible. In addition to rental coverage, you may be granted a non-refundable
move in fee, no more than the equivalent of one month’s rent.
5. How will asylum seekers apply for the ASERAP?
• Spanish speaking Housing Stability Servicers (HSS) staff will be onsite at the shelters where
asylum seekers are currently staying. HSS staff will work with applicants to gather the
information and documentation necessary to complete their ASERAP application. Applications
are completed via an online portal.
6. Who is the contact for any Asylum Seekers ERAP issues?
• The IHDA call center has a designated prompt for ASERAP issues. Please call (866) 454-3571 and
select option 5. HSS agencies may also report any issues or questions to the Asylum Seekers
ERAP email proxy at ASERAP@ihda.org. If any issue is reported by email, continue to watch your
inbox for a response from the ASERAP proxy.
7. Can asylum seekers choose where in Illinois they want to be housed?
• The availability of participating rental housing will determine the ability to place each family in
their desired city or community.
Applicant
8. What can asylum seekers do to prepare for the application?
• Asylum seekers should work with a Catholic Charities Case Manager or city of Chicago shelter
case manager.
9. Will the rental assistance need to be paid back?
• The ASERAP rental assistance payment will be in the form of a grant and repayment is not
required. However, if there is any case of fraud or wrongdoing repayment will be required.
10. How can applicants check the status of their applications?
• Applicants can request an update from their Catholic Charities Housing Case Manager or an HSS
agency, who will be receiving communications from IHDA during the review process. Any
questions regarding the status of applications can also be sent to the ASERAP proxy email
ASERAP@ihda.org or you may call 866-454-3571, select option 5.
11. Is the ASERAP considered a public charge benefit?
• No, recipients of this rental assistance will not be considered to be receiving a public charge
benefit.
12. Why is COVID-19 a condition in the application if the program is not an emergency response
program for COVID-19?
• Asylum seekers are being directly impacted by an affordable housing crisis that has been further
worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
13. What will the recertification process look like?
• For those applications submitted prior to midnight on November 19, 2023, if the ASERAP
applicant is approved for the first three months and still meets all qualifications of the program,
the applicant is eligible to recertify for an additional three months of assistance. The HSS agency
will need to complete the recertification application for the tenant. Once the HSS agency
submits the recertification, the landlord that the tenant was approved with will also need to
submit the landlord portion of the recertification application. If for any reason the tenant will be
applying with a new landlord, the tenant is responsible for getting written consent from their
current landlord to break their lease. The current landlord must send an email to the ASERAP
proxy (ASERAP@ihda.org) releasing tenant from their current lease. The HSS agency will need to
start a new application for the tenant to apply for the recertification of an additional three
months of rental assistance (if new lease tenant will not receive a move-fee). All eligible ASERAP
applicants may be potentially approved for up to total of six months of rental assistance or the
cap of $15,000.00, whichever comes first.
14. Will applicants be eligible for this assistance if they independently seek available housing and do
not use the housing locator onsite?
• Yes, if the FAST TRACK path is initiated (see shelter or Catholic Charities staff). IHDA encourages
applicants to take the initiative to identify housing that meets their needs. You must view the
identified unit in person and agree to the terms in the IDHS Tenant Acknowledgement form that
will be provided by HSS agencies.
15. Can applicants be serviced virtually through Zoom or Teams?
• Due to the nature of the program, initial applications will only be completed onsite by an HSS.
Virtual service is not available for ASERAP applications except for recertification applications
that qualify.
16. What is the turnaround time for applications to be approved and funded?
• Completed applications (by both tenant and landlord) are reviewed within 48 hours. If
approved, the payment will be mailed within 72 hours. Payments are made directly to the
landlord in the form of a check. Please keep in mind that if applications are submitted
incomplete or with missing documentation this will slow down the application process.
Landlord
17. How do landlords apply for the program?
• Landlords will receive an email from Unqork (IHDA’s online application platform) regarding an
application started using the landlord’s email and other information. The Unqork email will go to
the email the HSS agency entered in for the landlord. It will have instructions on what steps
landlords need to take to complete the application. Once both the tenant and landlord portions
of the ASERAP application are received the review process can begin.
18. What type of lease do I need to enter with the prospective tenant?
• A lease is not required if the lease attestation is filled out by both parties. All lease terms must
be agreed to and signed by both the tenant and the landlord with lease terms. Any standard
lease provided for less than a six-month term will not be accepted, and a new lease agreement
will be required. Any lease attestation provided for less than a six-month term will not be
accepted, and a new lease attestation will be required.
19. I received a notification that a tenant started an application for the program. What does that
mean?
• An ASERAP applicant is seeking rental assistance to pay for rent in one of your properties. If you
choose to participate in the program, you must complete your side of the application with all
supporting documentation. Follow the link you received after your tenant applied to complete
and submit the application.
20. Is there a maximum monthly rent that landlords cannot exceed while participating in the
program?
• Rent must be affordable and should not exceed Fair Market Rent (FMR) as defined by ARPA
rules and regulations. If you submit a lease or lease attestation that exceeds FMR we will require
a new lease agreement that does not exceed FMR. The 2024 Emergency Rental Assistance
Program (ERAP) FMR can be found by clicking here or by visiting
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr/fmrs/FY2024_code/select_geography_erap.odn.
21. How much assistance can my tenant receive?
• Through the program, an eligible tenant may receive rent for up to a total of six months or the
total cap of $15,000.00, whichever comes first. For applications that are submitted on or after
November 20, 2023, the program can cover up to three months and for applications that were
submitted prior to midnight on November 19, 2023, may still qualify for an additional three
months. You will be required to recertify for the additional funding if you are eligible. The nonrefundable move in fee and monthly rent cannot exceed FMR.
How will funding be distributed to my tenant?
• If approved, funds will go to the landlord, property owner, or manager directly.
22. How will funding be distributed to my tenant?
• If approved, funds will go to the landlord, property owner, or manager directly.
23. Will landlords have to repay any funds?
• No, this grant does not have to be repaid. However, if there is any wrongdoing or fraud the
funds will need to be repaid to program.
24. Will landlords pay taxes on funds?
• Please contact a tax expert regarding how to report any funding received for this grant. IHDA
will not require a W-9 for this program.
25. Will the ASERAP pay for utilities?
• Funds for this program are to pay for rent only. If utilities are included in the rent, funds can
cover the amount included with rent. Rent including utilities cannot exceed FMR.
26. How will I be notified if the application has been approved?
• You will receive an email, phone call, and the application on the portal will also show an
approval status. The HSS agency will also be notified of the approval. If you need to check your
status you can contact the ASERAP proxy at ASERAP@IHDA.org or call 866-454-3571, select
option 5.
27. How will I be notified if funding has been sent?
• Please contact our customer service line for further information on your approved application.
Call (866)454-3571 and select option 5 for any questions on approval or payment. You may also
email the ASERAP proxy at ASERAP@IHDA.org.
28. Who do I contact with questions regarding the program?
• You may contact our customer service line or email the ASERAP proxy. The customer service
number for ASERAP is 866-454-3571, select option 5. Email us at ASERAP@IHDA.org.
29. Is there a priority population for this program?
• All applicants in this program are considered a priority population with a first-come, first-served
process. The program welcomes all asylum seekers eligible for our program.
30. Will I have a say in who my tenants will be?
• Everyone is eligible to apply. Tenants will be approved or denied only for reasons allowed by
“The Fair Housing Act of 1968”.
HSS Agencies
31. What is the role of the Housing Stability Service (HSS) agencies?
• Participating HSS agencies will support the goals of the ASERAP by having Spanish speaking staff
onsite completing applications for asylum seekers. HSS agencies who provide housing services
will also make landlord and unit referrals to Catholic Charities Housing Locators.
32. Do HSS agencies need to be HUD-certified or HUD-approved to participate?
HUD certification and HUD approval are not a requirement for HSS agencies to participate in
ASERAP.
33. What services are HSS agencies expected to provide for applicants?
• HSS agencies are expected to provide assistance to applicants by completing and submitting
applications and reviewing pre-negotiated leases with participating individuals and families.
Catholic Charities Housing Case Managers will ensure that each family comes to their HSS
agency with all necessary documents completed (unless Fast Track was initiated). Other HSS
partners will also be assisting with housing or landlord location.
34. Are agencies required to have staff at the sites where the asylum seekers are residing for a
minimum number of hours/days per week?
• HSS agencies will be coordinated according to their capabilities and their staff size and will be
“need based” per shelter occupancy.
35. How are HSS agencies expected to report the work done for this program?
• HSS agencies will follow the same guidelines provided by the grant management team for their
Illinois Rental Payment Program contracts since funding is coming from “ERA 2” Federal
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Funds. IDHS may require reporting on additional data
elements, which IHDA will communicate, as needed.
36. Will HSS agency counselors have access to print out the applications at the shelter sites?
• Counselors are encouraged to print applications and prepare materials prior to being onsite.
Troubleshooting
37. How can I check the status of my submitted application?
• Please use the login information used to start an application to check the current status. Your
status will show in the application dashboard. You will also receive emails from our review team
if we require further information from you. Call (866) 454-3571, select option 5 or email the
ASERAP proxy at ASERAP@IHDA.orgfor questions.
38. How do I upload additional documents to my application?
• You will log into your portal and use the “add documents” button. Please make sure the
document has been fully submitted before closing out of your browser window. Please make
sure the document(s) include all the required information requested and are fully executed.
39. I submitted the wrong document. How can I fix it?
• Please contact our ASERAP email proxy at ASERAP@ihda.org. You can also call us at (866)4543571 and please select option 5. Any corrected documentation can be provided to the ASERAP
proxy; please include the application number in the email along with the document(s).
40. What do I do if I forgot my username or password?
• You will be able to reset your password using the link in the portal log-in page. Your username is
the email address you used when you initially applied.
41. I have not received any update emails. Who should I contact?
• Please contact our ASERAP email proxy at ASERAP@ihda.org. You can also call IHDA at (866)4543571 and select option 5.
42. Can I start my application and finish later?
• Yes, you may save your progress and come back when you are ready to finish your application.
Please make sure you do not hit the “Submit” button until you have fully completed the
application. Once the application is complete and all required documentation is fully provided
hit “Submit”.
43. What happens after I submit my application?
• We cannot review an ASERAP Application until the landlord submits their portion. Once
submitted, please note that during the review, we may contact you via email and phone to
request additional documentation. Once you receive this request, you are required to reply and
submit as soon as possible to expedite the processing of your application.