Dubuque Offering Rent/Mortgage and Utility Bill Grants for Residents Impacted by COVID-19

CONTACT:
Ryan Feller, Self-Sufficiency Coordinator
563-690-6109, rfeller@cityofdubuque.org

PLEASE NOTE: This is an update to a related May 21 announcement. Information has been updated to include utility bill assistance.

June 19, 2020 -- For Immediate Release

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The City of Dubuque is offering financial assistance to qualified Dubuque renters and homeowners whose income has been reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications are being accepted for the City of Dubuque’s Short-Term Assistance Program for rent, mortgage, and utilities from Dubuque residents whose income has been reduced 50 percent or more due to COVID-19. This program is funded by a federal grant and does include income and property eligibility requirements. The program is a grant program so residents who qualify and receive the assistance will not have to pay back any funds they receive. This is a short-term assistance program and can assist with a portion of approved households’ rent or mortgage for up to $1,000 for three months. In addition to rent or mortgage, the program may be able to assist with utility payments.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must be a current Dubuque resident living in a rental unit or home they own that they have occupied since at least January 1, 2020. Applicants must have been working as of January 1, 2020, AND, as a result of COVID-19, either:

lost employment completely or monthly income has been reduced by at least 50 percent;
have applied for unemployment benefits;
were current on rent or mortgage payments and all household utilities as of March 1, 2020; and
applicant’s household’s current income meets the following requirements:

Program Income Limit Chart. Call for more information.

Households of eight or more should contact City staff for additional information. “Household income” includes current wages, unemployment benefits, child support, military benefits, and social security. All income coming into the household is required to be reported.

To apply for the Short-Term Assistance Program for rent, mortgage, and utilities, please call 563.564.7489, email go@cityofdubuque.org, or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/housing.

# # #

Please do not reply to this message. If you would like additional information on this issue, please contact the staff person identified at the top of the message or contact the City of Dubuque Public Information Office at rgehl@cityofdubuque.org or 563.589.4151.