Public Benefits Training for Housing Attorneys

Tenants represented by legal services advocates are often eligible for public benefits that could prevent eviction or assist households in relocating. This training provides a brief overview of all public benefits and offer housing advocates the essential tools, tips, and rules to maximize benefits in the household and prevent evictions, with an emphasis on screening & intake to improve outcomes. The training helps housing advocates identify whether their clients facing eviction can obtain rental assistance for arrears and ongoing rent from their local Department of Social Services under the Emergency Assistance to Families, (EAF) program, Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA), Emergency Assistance to Adults (EAA), Diversion payments or other available rental assistance programs. The training describes the eligibility criteria, including key budgeting rules, and the benefits available under each program.