An official website of the Cuyahoga County government. Here’s how you know
Help with Mortgage, Rent, and Utilities
Cuyahoga County residents struggling to pay their mortgage, rent, and utility bills can find relief through programs offered by the County and local organizations. Search through the options below to learn more about available funding.
Mortgage Assistance
County homeowners who have been impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for mortgage payment assistance.To be eligible for Mortgage Assistance borrowers must:
- Meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's income guidelines
- Have missed one or more mortgage payments due to COVID-19
- The house must be the borrower’s primary residence, among other criteria.
To apply for the Cuyahoga County Mortgage Assistance Program, call 216-600-2814.
Rent Assistance
Cuyahoga County Rent Relief Fund
The Cuyahoga County Rent Relief Fund was launched to combat housing instability due to the pandemic.
- To learn more and apply, visit NEOrenthelp.org
- For questions, please call 833-377-RENT (7368)
Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP)
Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP) helps adults in all stages of life achieve and maintain financial wellness and housing stability, with a specialized focus on serving the needs of older adults.
As a HUD-approved
Housing and Financial Counseling agency with five HUD certified counselors, we help members of the community navigate complex housing and financial issues like:
- Foreclosure prevention
- Debt and credit management
- Resolving payday loans
For services:
- ESOP services are free; Spanish speaking services available.
- Pre-scheduled appointments: 11890 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, 44120 (free parking).
- Phone: 216-361-0718 (M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- Email: esopcalls@benrose.org
ESOP Senior Small Dollar Loan (SSDL)
Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP) provides interest-free loans ranging from $300 to $1,000 to offset COVID-related financial crises, including basic needs, medication and health care, utilities, taxes transportation, and insurance.
Qualifications
- Cuyahoga County residency
- Age 55 or older
- Income eligible
- Free financial counseling/coaching is required
Repayment plans range from 1-48 months, with a maximum monthly payment of $20.83.
Contact
Tiffany Taylor, Program Coordinator
216-361-0718
ttaylor@benrose.org
Legal Aid Society
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland provides free civil legal assistance to low income residents of Cuyahoga County. Legal Aid can support you if you are:
- Facing eviction, lock outs, mortgage, or tax foreclosure
- Utility shut offs
- Conditions issues with rental units
- Problems related to housing, employment, benefits, debt, and domestic violence.
Attorneys provide representation, self-help assistance and advice to people with low-income. Legal Aid will connect you to emergency financial assistance when possible but does not provide direct funding. Legal Aid also provides
interpreters for limited English proficient applicants and clients.
Apply by phone (English): 888-817-3777
Apply by phone (Spanish): 216-586-3190
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (Tuesday, Thursday).