NC H1135

Appropriates $100,000,000 from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for housing and utilities assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Establishes COVID-19 Emergency Housing Rental and Utilities Assistance program providing up to $1,000 monthly for up to six months to individuals and families at or below 80% of Area Median Income for housing assistance.

Provides utilities assistance of up to $1,000 over six months for individuals at or below 50% AMI, and up to $500 over six months for those between 51% and 80% AMI, with at least three-fourths of utilities funds directed to the lower-income tier.

Excludes CARES Act stimulus payments and unemployment benefits from income calculations and removes child residency and resource limit requirements for eligibility.

Permits Department to use up to 5% of funds for program administration and requires reporting to legislative committees by March 1, 2021; act applies retroactively to expenses from March 1, 2020 and expires December 30, 2020.