Philly courts just extended eviction protections again. Here’s what that means

Taylor Allen, WHYY

The requirement for Philadelphia landlords who want to evict tenants must first go through the city’s eviction diversion program and apply for rental assistance by Aug. 31, according to an order issued late by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court late Wednesday evening. The order extended a previous mandate that was set to expire Wednesday. Read more here.

Philly races to distribute rental assistance before the national eviction ban ends
Michaelle Bond, Philadelphia Inquirer

The eviction bans that have kept people in their homes during the unprecedented pandemic and its economic fallout are nearing their end. People waiting for help are terrified that rental assistance will come too late. Consequences from both eviction bans and lockouts will reverberate long after the health emergency ends. Many renters fear losing their homes. And some landlords who have struggled to stay afloat without rental income plan to sell their properties, a blow to the already scarce affordable housing in the city. More here.

PHASE 4 Rental Assistance & Online Unemployment Benefits (Copy)

Philadelphia Rental Assistance Phase 4

Through the PHLRentAssist program, the City of Philadelphia offers emergency rental assistance to help tenants and landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19. To apply click here.

For more information on the Phase 4 program, click here: About Phase 4

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A new online resource for Unemployment Benefits:
If you need more information or have questions about the new UC system, check out UCHelp.org

Does Pa.’s new unemployment system work? It depends who you ask. Laura Benshoff, WHYY
Read here.

PHASE 4 Rental Assistance & Online Unemployment Benefits

Philadelphia Rental Assistance Phase 4

Through the PHLRentAssist program, the City of Philadelphia offers emergency rental assistance to help tenants and landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19. To apply click here.

For more information on the Phase 4 program, click here: About Phase 4

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A new online resource for Unemployment Benefits:
If you need more information or have questions about the new UC system, check out UCHelp.org

Does Pa.’s new unemployment system work? It depends who you ask. Laura Benshoff, WHYY
Read here.

Financial Assistance for Renters, Businesses & Property Tax

Philadelphia’s COVID rental assistance program to roll out differently in 2021
Taylor Allen, WHYY

After a year of hard lessons, Philadelphia officials say a new and improved COVID-19 rental assistance program will come online in March. Among the changes in the works for the program funded by Congress as part of a $900 billion COVID relief package passed in December, are new income requirements and up to 12 months of aid, though only three months of that can be for forward rent, according to the federal rules.
Read here the new rules.

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Everything Restaurants Need to Know About the $284 Billion PPP Program
Ryan Sutton, EATER New York
Here’s how bars, cafes, and restaurants can qualify for the PPP loans, which fully convert to grants if used properly. Read here.

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Owe business taxes because of COVID-19? We have a plan for you
Lana Adams, Department of Revenue Philadelphia
The Department of Revenue understands the COVID-19 health crisis impacted businesses in Philadelphia tremendously. In response, we’re releasing a new payment plan to support businesses that were in tax compliance before the pandemic struck. If you needed a plan to get back on track with taxes, we’ve got one for you. More information here.

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Your 2020 property tax bill is now delinquent, but we can help
Lana Adams Department of Revenue Philadelphia
You may have already been racking up monthly interest and penalties on your unpaid 2020 Real Estate Taxes. But if you don’t pay soon, your account could look worse. Bills for 2020 Real Estate Tax were due on June 15, 2020. As of January 1, any unpaid property taxes mean: Additional costs, A delinquent status on your balance, A lien filed against your property, and Possibly losing your home at a sheriff sale.
You can say goodbye to these additional burdens, whether your debt is big or small. The Department of Revenue:

• Makes it easy for you to make full or partial payments,

• Offers affordable payment plans, and

• Has programs that could help reduce future tax bills.

More information here.

DEADLINE SATURDAY MAY 16TH, at 5pm

Have you lost income because of COVID-19? Are you having trouble paying your rent? The City of Philadelphia might be able to help.
Funding is limited. Not every applicant will receive assistance. To apply and more details are available at PHLRentAssist.org. Renters who do not have access to the internet or a smart phone will be able to get program and application information by calling 3-1-1.

To be eligible:
• You must rent an apartment or house in Philadelphia
• You must have a valid and current written lease signed by your landlord
• You must have lost income because of COVID-19
You do NOT have to have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to be eligible.

You are NOT eligible if:
• You live in public housing
• You receive other government rental assistance
(Section 8, Housing Choice Vouchers, etc.)
• You have unpaid rent from before April
• You are in the process of being evicted.

Click here for details and FAQ

if you have a problem with the application click here for help.