Rental Assistance Program

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides eligible persons assistance one-time per calendar year, as funding allows, for eligible housing expenses. RAP pays landlords, utility companies or creditors directly. RAP is not emergency assistance; it may take a month for payment to be made after the application is approved. The case manager submitting the application will receive an email notifying them if the application has been approved and referred for payment. 

One-time assistance can assist with:

Rental costs:

  • Up to three months of rent. This can include rent in arrears ("back rent"), and/or move-in costs: a security deposit (counts as one month's rent) and first month’s rent
  • Rental application fees up to $100 total, only for applicants with zero income.

Utility costs:

  • Utility deposits totaling up to $500
  • Past due utility bills totaling up to $600

Other costs directly related to preserving or accessing stable housing (considered on a case-by-case basis). Any eligible household may access all of the above-listed types of assistance once per year.

RAP one-time assistance cannot assist with:
  • Costs associated with home ownership or mortgages
  • Late fees, court costs, or legal fees
  • Hotel or motel stays
  • Rent or move-in costs for sober living facilities (such as Oxford House)
  • Future rent beyond the current month of the application

Questions about RAP? Attend the monthly Case Manager Training on RAP Applications on the second Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. every month. Join the monthly Case Manager Training on RAP Applications(link is external) or call 1-650-479-3207.  

Funding Status

DMH Housing will be accepting RAP one-time assistance applications in May 2025. Funding is limited in May. Complete, eligible applications will be accepted until funding runs out or May 7, 2025, whichever is first. RAP is not emergency assistance.

Who is Eligible?

  • Households actively receiving mental health services and/or substance use disorder services from a DMH-contracted provider agency and/or enrolled in a DMH Housing Unit Program.
  • Household must be in a situation that can be stabilized by one-time assistance.
  • Rent/utilities are less than 50% of monthly household income, unless household has a subsidy which covers those expenses.
  • Household has a combined household income of less than 50% of their Area Median Income.

Application Submission Requirements:

  • Complete, current versions of the RAP Application (Revised 7/2023) are accepted during the first five business days of the month via encrypted email to housing@dmh.mo.gov(link sends email) when RAP is open to applications. Applications that are incomplete or submitted after that date for the month will not be reviewed or retained.
  • Applications must come from a community support worker or other employee of a service provider involved in providing community support services. Applications cannot be accepted directly from persons in need of assistance.

Alternatives to RAP:

Other assistance programs exist which can assist with housing instability.