Eligible Expenses
The Harris County Recovery Assistance program is intended to help Harris County individuals and families recover from adverse economic impact due to COVID-19. Funds could be used to help with costs like these, although they are not limited to this list:
- Healthcare expenses (telehealth, pharmaceuticals, etc.)
- Rental or mortgage payments
- Utility payments
- Food and grocery expenses
- Digital access expenses (internet connectivity)
- Transportation needs (fuel, public transportation costs, etc.)
- Childcare expenses
- Other past-due expenses as a result of adverse COVID-19 impact
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the financial assistance provided through this program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must prove residency within Harris County
- As required by federal guidelines, at least one adult member of the household must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, refugee, or other qualified noncitizen
- Self-certification of adverse economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Provide documentation verifying participation in a qualifying public assistance program such as:
- Medicaid
- Harris Health Gold Card
- Public Housing Assistance (Houston or Harris County Housing Authority)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (Found on light bill)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps)
- Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Assistance
- VA Pension or Disability
-OR-
- Provide documentation showing that household income is at or below 60% HUD Area Median Family Income (HAMFI) at time of application.
- Documentation can include copies of recent pay stubs, 2019 or 2020 tax return, certification of income or other formed deemed acceptable by Harris County and program administrator
2021 Data on Household Average Median Family Income (HAMFI) from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
| Household Size | 60% Area Media Income |
|---|---|
| 1-person | $33,300 |
| 2-person | $38,040 |
| 3-person | $42,780 |
| 4-person | $47,520 |
| 5-person | $51,360 |
| 6-person | $55,140 |
| 7-person | $58,980 |
| 8-person | $62,760 |