Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance

The Emergency Rental and Utilities Assistance Program (ERAP), via the county, continues to accept applications from constituents who are renters and have been financially affected by COVID. This program can help eligible renters with covering back rent and renter’s utilities. Landlords can apply on behalf of their tenants for this program as well.

While paper applications are still an option, there is now the ability to apply for the ERAP by submitting an online application via the Neighborly software platform at https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/ERAP-DONAANACOUNTYNM/participant.

If you are facing housing instability because of COVID, you can call the ERAP staff at (575) 525-5898, to determine eligibility. The county’s ERAP staff, housed in the Finance Department, are the best ones to talk to about the requirements of the ERAP. The ERAP eligibility criteria, program guidelines, and applications are at https://www.donaanacounty.org/rent-utilities-assistance.

The New Mexico Finance Housing Authority (NMFHA) has programs to assist in situations of housing instability as a result of COVID as well. The NMFHA program also covers mortage payments, while the county’s program does not. More information about assistance through the NMFHA may be found at https://www.housingnm.org/static/covid-assistance and in the fact sheets below:

FEMA Funeral Cost Assistance

https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

In early April, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized recently, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:

  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
  • If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.
  • An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
  • The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
  • This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
  • Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:

  • An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the U. S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
  • Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
  • Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

More information regarding this assistance can be found at: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

CARES Act Grant Funds for Small Businesses

Doña Ana county has received CARES ACT funding for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Application forms and more information can be found below: