Editor's note: This article was amended to correct the amount of money awarded last year.

Idaho renters who are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic may now apply for rental assistance through the Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s Housing Preservation Program.

The program was started in the spring of last year, said Benjamin Cushman, communications coordinator with the Idaho Housing and Finance Association.

Last year, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association received $15 million in COVID-19 relief money total, most of which was distributed between June and January of last year, with some leftover funds distributed early this year.

“It really got going in June,” Cushman said.

The latest round of COVID relief will total $175 million, Cushman said, and the program is accepting new applications for all Idaho renters outside of Ada County. Residents in Ada County can apply for relief on the city of Boise and Ada county relief website, erap.bcacha.org.

To qualify, applicants must owe past-due rent or utilities or be unable to pay upcoming rent or utilities because of COVID-19 circumstances. Landlords may also apply on behalf of their tenants, who may be eligible for up to 15 months of assistance.

“Making sure people have a safe, stable place to live during this pandemic is critical to our economic recovery,” said Gerald M. Hunter, president of Idaho Housing and Finance Association. “This additional funding allows us to immediately assist Idaho renters who are experiencing financial hardship.”

Eligible applicants can earn no more than 80% of the area’s adjusted median income, must be Idaho residents and must have at least one member of the household legally eligible to reside in the United States, according to a press release.

The amount of assistance varies, depending on the individual, Cushman said, but some renters may be eligible to get their entire rent and utilities paid for. Payments are sent directly to landlords and utility companies.

Those receiving a federal housing subsidy are not eligible for the program.

“We encourage people to apply,” Cushman said. “We have this assistance, and we want to make sure people can stay in their homes.”

Additional eligibility details are available at idahohousing.com/hpp/. More information is also available by calling 1-855-452-0801.