The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently increased the area median income (AMI) limits, which the County uses to determine eligibility for rent and utilities assistance.

Effective immediately, the updated income limits mean more households may qualify for the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. The Fiscal Year 2024 HUD Income Guidelines compared to 2023 are as follows:

| Household Size | 2024 HUD Income 80% | 2023 HUD Income 80% |

|----------------|----------------------|----------------------|

| 1 | $39,550 | $36,200 |

| 2 | $45,200 | $41,350 |

| 3 | $50,850 | $46,500 |

| 4 | $56,500 | $51,650 |

| 5 | $61,050 | $55,800 |

| 6 | $65,550 | $59,950 |

| 7 | $70,100 | $64,050 |

| 8+ | $74,600 |$68,200 |

The AMI increased by $4,350 annually for a family of four. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, a family of four with an annual average median income of up to $51,650 could qualify for rental assistance if they met the eligibility criteria. In FY24, a family of four with an annual average median income of up to $56,500 now qualifies.

To date, Doña Ana County has distributed $27 million in rent and utilities assistance to approximately 4 thousand eligible households.

“We have still available funds amounting to about two point seven million dollars and hope the increased area median income enables more eligible households to apply for needed help,” Director of Finance Asma Dawood said. “Once funds run out though unfortunately we will have no choice but to close the program.”

The Emergency Rental Assistance program received funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to help residents who rent with rent and utilities payments if they were financially impacted by the pandemic.

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at www.donaanacounty.org/erap or call (575)-525-5898.