5.27.2020 Emergency Assistance Relief Payment (EARP)

What is the Emergency Assistance Relief Payment (EARP) Program?

Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing an unprecedented financial hardship for many Montgomery County residents, the Emergency Assistance Relief Payment is a program that provides immediate financial assistance to households in need.  While the need is great, this program seeks to fill the gaps for those who are not eligible or who will not benefit directly from the federal or state COVID-19 aid.

Phase 2 of the EARP program begins on Monday, May 18.

How do I apply for the EARP in Phase 2?

There are two ways to apply for the EARP.

1. Call 311 and ask about completing an application and being assigned to a processing organization.  You will be placed in line and contacted by a partner organization.  Processing will be much faster with a referral.  Be sure to write down your Service Request Number
2. Apply through one of the referral partners or community-based organizations that is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to process applications.  If you have previously used their services, contact them and they will submit an application on your behalf.

Who is eligible for the EARP?
Families and individuals who:

• live in Montgomery County (proof of residence in the county will be required) and need financial assistance to pay for food and essentials; and
• will not receive money from the Federal and State financial relief programs; and
• are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits; and
• have incomes equal to or less than 50 percent of the Federal Poverty Level* 

How much is the payment?

Benefits will be issued as follows:

• Single Adult - $500
• Family with one child - $1,000
• Families with children - $1,000 (family with one child) with an additional $150 for each additional child, with a maximum of $1,450
• Head of household should be 18 years or older, the claimed child should be less and not equal to 19 years old
• The benefit increases by $150 per child to a maximum of $1,450

Will individuals who received EARP benefits be required to pay the money back?

• No, this is a grant provided by the county  
• Payments will not affect a family’s eligibility for other benefit programs

Will I have to pay 2020 taxes on this money?

No, the payment is not income and you will not owe tax on your payment.

How will I get the money?

• Once your application has been submitted and approved by DHHS, you will receive a check or by mail within 8 to 10 days
• If you have already received cash assistance in the first phase of the program, you will not be eligible to receive any additional cash assistance 

What documents do I need?
Documents needed to verify identity, income, residence and family composition:
✓ Driver’s License or another photo ID of adults over 18 years of age
✓ Proof of residency (lease or bill)
✓ Proof of income
✓ Verification of number of children, such as:

➢ Birth certificates, U.S. or other
➢ School report card or ID
➢ Doctor’s visit notification, etc. (for infants and toddlers)

Documents can be scanned, faxed or photographed with phone and sent to a designated e-mail. Exact instructions for emailing documents will be obtained from the organization that processes your application.

What information will I need to report?

• In addition to the information listed above, the application contains basic demographic information for each member of the household, including language spoken, race, ethnicity, and zip code.
• Personal information gathered will only be used to determine eligibility and will be kept confidential

 I think that I should have gotten a check in Phase 1, what do I do?
Phase 1 iwas a one-time-only payment from the Care for Kids database as of April 3, 2020. If you did not receive a check, you can apply in Phase 2.

Does the benefit have to be a check?
Curently, the cash assistance will be in the form of a check mailed to the address on the application.

My income in 2019 was higher than the Poverty Table, but now I have no income. Can I still apply?
Yes, your current income should be reported on your application.

Will DHHS contact me about my payment?
You may be contacte by DHHS or by the community organization where you applied.  Most calls will be about verification of documents received.

What is the Federal Poverty Level? 

The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is a measure that is used to decide whether the income of an individual or family qualifies them for certain benefits and programs. The FPL tables used to determine eligibility for the EARP is below.
2020 Federal Poverty Levels for all states (except Alaska and Hawaii)
Annual Income

Household /Family Size		50%	*100%*
1		6,380	$12,760
2		8,620	$17,240
3		10,860	$21,720
4		13,100	$26,200
5		15,340	$30,680

Where can I call if I have additional questions?

• Call 311.