Indianapolis residents can now receive assistance with rent for up to four months, which will be financed through a state program using $25 million from federal COVID-19 relief funding.

Indiana's Rental Assistance Program will give residents up to $500 in assistance for four months with a maximum of $2,000 to pay their past, current or late rental fees, according to a press release from Gov. Eric Holcomb's Office. 

“This has been a very challenging time for Hoosiers, and the economic impacts of COVID-19 has left some renters in a tough spot,” Holcomb said in the press release. “The Indiana COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program will support our renters, improve our state’s housing stability and help prevent evictions as the state gets back on track.”

In order to qualify for the Rental Assistance Program, residents much have lost their job due to the coronavirus pandemic, have a household income that was less than it was on March 6 or have not received any other rental assistance. Payments go directly to the landlord, according to the press release. 

The state anticipates approximately 12,000 households will benefit from the program.