Security Deposit Assistance Program (SDA)

Program Type: Direct assistance to individuals (not a grant program for organizations)

Geographic Scope: Berks County, Pennsylvania

Program Purpose: The Security Deposit Assistance Program is designed to assist individuals currently experiencing homelessness in securing housing units by addressing the financial constraints associated with obtaining a residence. The program specifically aims to alleviate the challenging hurdle of fulfilling security deposit requirements for those without stable housing.

Award Amount:

• Security deposit assistance at a dollar-to-dollar match of the resident's expected monthly rent
• Eligible applicants who fulfill all program requirements can receive financial support equal to their anticipated monthly rent
• One-time payment only per household

What Funds Cover:

• Security deposits only

What Funds DO NOT Cover:

• 1st month's rent
• Last month's rent
• Rental application fees
• Move-in fees
• Start-up costs
• Deposits for utilities
• Moving expenses

Eligibility Requirements:

• Currently experiencing homelessness
• Household income at 50% Area Median Income (AMI) or below
• All adult household members must meet income requirement
• Valid photo identification for all adult household members
• Completed tenant application
• Valid lease or rent-to-own agreement
• Completed landlord application
• Resident in Berks County

What is NOT Eligible:

• Rent-to-own properties
• Room rentals
• Future rent payments

Acceptable Income Verification:

• Employment paystubs (past 30 days)
• Award letters for current unemployment compensation
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• SSDA (Social Security Disability Award)
• Current retirement or pension verification letters
• Child support is NOT accepted as source of income

Landlord Requirements:

• Landlord must complete and submit Landlord Application
• Landlord application includes landlord information and payment verification by tenant
• Landlord will be contacted by SDA staff after tenant application review

Contact Information:

• Phone: (610) 372-7222
• Address: 600 Penn St, Reading, PA 19601
• Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm

Language: Available in English and Spanish

Application Process

Step 1: Schedule Appointment (Recommended)

• Appointment not required but strongly suggested
• Call (610) 372-7222 to schedule

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

• Valid photo identification for all adult household members
• Income verification documents (see acceptable forms below)
• Valid lease or rent-to-own agreement
• Completed Tenant Application

Step 3: Submit Application In Person

• Applications must be submitted in person at BCEH office
• Location: 600 Penn St, Reading, PA 19601
• Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm
• Applications that are dropped off, emailed, or mailed will NOT be accepted
• Can request paper application at office if needed

Step 4: SDA Staff Review

• SDA staff reviews completed application and required paperwork
• SDA staff will contact landlord if application is being processed

Step 5: Landlord Application

• SDA staff contacts landlord after tenant application review
• Landlord must complete and submit Landlord Application
• Landlord application includes:
  • Landlord information
  • Payment verification made by tenant

Step 6: Approval Notification

• Once application approved, both tenant and landlord notified via email or phone
• Important: Provide accurate contact information to ensure notification

Step 7: Payment

• Payment provided upon approval

Step 8: Application Denial Appeal (if applicable)

• Applications may be denied if:
  • Not eligible for program
  • Income exceeds 50% AMI
  • Incomplete application
  • Failed to fulfill program requirements
• Applicants notified via phone/email of denial
• Limited time to resubmit missing information
• Can complete appeal form available online
• Submit appeal to SDA office as soon as possible

Required Materials

For Tenants:

• Valid photo identification
• Income verification (choose one or more):
  • Employment paystubs (past 30 days)
  • Award letters for unemployment compensation
  • SSI/SSDA documentation
  • Retirement/pension verification letters
• Valid lease or rent-to-own agreement
• Completed Tenant Application

For Landlords:

• Landlord information
• Payment verification from tenant
• Completed Landlord Application

Submission Format

• In-person submission only
• Must bring physical documents to BCEH office
• Can download application from website or request paper version at office

Application Forms Available

• Tenant Application (downloadable from website)
• Landlord Application (downloadable from website)
• Appeal Form (available online)