From the office of TDHCA,

“As you know the program went live on Monday, February 15, 2021, the day that Winter Storm Uri also arrived. As seems to be the case for so many of us across the state, the storm impacted both the TRR call center staff and reviewing team staff, greatly reducing capacity to handle calls and perform reviews last week. In response, our call center staff has been increased in the last several days, and is continuing to be increased, to reduce wait times. We are also aware that changes are needed to the on-line application to provide a more efficient and responsive process for tenants, landlords, and utility providers. We are working intensively with our vendor to implement responsive changes in the next several weeks. Please know that funds are not “running out”; as of this afternoon, after 11 days accepting applications, TDHCA has received more than 35,800 requests, totaling approximately $122.9 million. We are thrilled by that great level of activity, but that means there is still more than $1 billion in funds available. If you have been in the system already here are some next steps:

• If you left a message on our call center line, and have not heard back, please know that we will be getting back to you. Because of the reduced call center capacity a backlog of calls was created. With our newly increased capacity, we will be returning calls as soon as we are able. However, if you feel you need to call again, please do so. Note that due to high call volumes, the average wait time to speak with a representative is currently 20-25 minutes.
• If you are a landlord who has set up tenants, the system will have contacted the tenants at the email address provided. We encourage you to engage with your tenants and encourage them to finish their tenant portion, if they have not done so.
• If you submitted a payment request, know that your application will be reviewed. Because of the changes being made noted above and the reduced capacity from the storm, it may still be a week or more before you hear from us, but rest assured we will be in touch to let you know if we need additional documentation, or to let you know that your payment request is approved.
• If you did not submit a payment request, you will need to do so in order to complete your application to receive rental or utility assistance. To do this, log into your account and navigate to your Request Dashboard at the top of the page. In your Request Dashboard, click Submit Rent Request to begin the payment request.
• If you are not sure if you actually made a request for payment or not, we strongly encourage you to check your status. To do this, log into your account and navigate to your Request Dashboard at the top of the page. If you have requested a payment it should be reflected in your dashboard. If it does not appear that you have requested payment, please do so by clicking Submit Rent Request to begin the payment request.

Over the next several weeks know that you can check the status of your application at any time. To do so, log in to your account at

, and you may view your pay request status on the Request Dashboard page. The status for your pay request is listed in the column labeled Status.

If you are unable to access your account or are having trouble with the online application, please email at info@texasrentrelief.com or call toll-free at 833-9TX-RENT (833-989-7368), Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thank you for your engagement on this program and we are eager to serve you.”

This is a temporary program. If you live in Galveston, Brazoria, Wharton, or Fort Bend Counties, you may apply for rent, mortgage, utilities and more right here: APPLICATION