Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) FAQ

This public-private partnership was created to increase access to critical utility assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program for SRP customers. The application process has been streamlined, which reduces the time required by customers to apply and allows for easier approval and administration of funds through DES.

You can read more about this important partnership in the October 10th, 2021 Arizona DES news release.

The pilot program is currently scheduled to run until September 2022, or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. Funding is limited and will be granted on a first-come first-served basis. Please do not wait to apply.

Residential renters who are on SRP's Economy Price Plan and have experienced a hardship related to COVID-19, either directly or indirectly, can apply for assistance through this pilot.

Examples of a COVID-related hardship could include:

• Loss of employment, furlough, or reduction of hours

• Medical expenses as a result of COVID-19

• An expected or unplanned cost as a result of COVID-19

• Needing to care for a family member as a result of COVID-19

• Needing to care for a child as a result of a school closure

No. The reduction in income must be either directly or indirectly related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible households may receive up to 18-months total utility assistance. No further assistance can be paid after 18 months of benefits have been distributed. If approved, payments will be made directly to SRP and posted to the approved applicants' accounts.

Through this pilot partnership, only electric utilities are eligible for assistance. If you also require assistance with rent, you can view additional programs available in your area.

Arizona DES requires approximately 4-6 weeks to review and approve your application. If you provided an email when completing your questionnaire in My Account you will receive an email confirmation of your approval amount in that time.

Yes, you will be notified by letter and/or email if you are ineligible and you may view the denial reason by logging into My Account.

DES requires approximately 4-6 weeks to review and approve applications. You can view the status of your application by logging into srp.net/myaccount or by calling (602) 236-8888(602) 236-8888.

The assistance will be posted directly to your SRP account.

No. Any funds received under this program cannot be counted as income for the tenant’s tax reporting or for purposes of determining eligibility for any other public assistance programs. 

Your account number, along with information provided on your application will be used for purposes of DES determining eligibility for utility assistance under the ERA program. Your sensitive information such as name, email, and address will be protected at all times and will not be shared with DES or any other entities. 

Yes, as long as no member of the household: is not a signor or co-signor to the mortgage on the property, does not hold the deed or title to the property and has not exercised the option to purchase.

Yes, households renting manufactured housing and/or the parcel of land the manufactured home occupies may receive assistance for utilities.

Individuals who have been denied can check eligibility requirements and reapply for the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program through the ERA portal on the DES website. Households can also apply for utility assistance through their local jurisdiction as well as through their local Community Action Agency.