1st/Last/Deposit Assistance Program

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Housing is often the biggest and most critical household expense. The opportunity to secure housing with lower rent can make a significant difference for a household’s finances. BCCF’s deposit assistance program is designed to help tenants afford the often high upfront costs to enter a new lease for more affordable rental housing.

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Households may apply for first/last/deposit assistance once between January and December of a given calendar year. Our team members can work with you year-round to consider the pros and cons of making a move to new rental housing.

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DEADLINE TO APPLY: Requests are accepted on a rolling basis. We will work with you to satisfy the necessary timing of a deposit.

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Who can apply for assistance? 

Those that work and/or live in Blaine County for at least one year can apply for 1st/last/deposit assistance once between January and December of a given calendar year..  We do not require proof of citizenship.  BCCF's financial assistance programs are designed with households at or below 120% of Average Median Income (AMI) in mind. However, we will consider extenuating circumstances. If you have a question about your eligibility, please contact us.

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Examples of qualifying median family income

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* Income is based on 120% of Blaine County's Average Median Income as of 4/18/22 published by Idaho Housing & Finance Association.

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What are the requirements for financial assistance?

We understand how quickly one must act to secure a more affordable housing opportunity that arises. If you have applied for affordable rental housing or have identified a housing option that is more affordable than your current situation, please call us at 208-244-5205 so that we can help you assemble documents and move the first/last/deposit assistance process forward within necessary timelines. Here the required steps:

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Submit a financial assistance request online and attach:

• A copy of your lease or a statement of current rent

• A copy of your new lease or a statement of new rent

• Documentation of gross household income:

  • Pay stub(s) documenting gross earnings for all wage earners in the household in the past month

  • Other income received in the past month such as Social Security, pension or retirement, public assistance, child support, unemployment benefit statement, any other relevant income (such as letter from employer detailing hours worked and total pay for the past month); and/or

  • W2s for all household wage earners for the past year; and/or

  • Tax return from the past year

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What types of expenses will the first/last/deposit assistance cover?

The assistance may cover standard costs to secure a new rental -  first and last month’s rent and security deposit. It may also cover assistance with rental application fees, move in and other relocation costs. Assistance may cover up to 70% of the total costs, up to the annual assistance caps of:

• $3,000 for a household without dependents

• $6,000 for a household with dependents.

Applicants should be prepared to cover at least 30% of the total costs to secure and move into the new rental. 

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How does BCCF make assistance decisions?

The purpose of deposit assistance is to ensure that a household will become more financially stable by moving to a less expensive and more secure housing situation. Decisions are generally made based on income, need and the following parameters:

• An individual or household is moving to a rental property that will cost less than current monthly rent.

• The total rent due will be less than or equal to 45% of the total household income.

 Special consideration is given to single parent households and people in need of individualized support.
 

I’ve received Rent Assistance during the calendar year, may I apply for 1st/Last/Deposit Assistance?

 Yes. A goal of the deposit assistance program is to help households acquire more affordable rental housing so that the need for emergency financial assistance significantly decreases. 
 

If an award is issued, how will I receive it? 

BCCF’s policy is to not give cash, or write a check that is payable directly to the applicant. Checks can be issued directly to the landlord, lending institution, or other creditor, and BCCF will ask for those names and addresses when you are notified of the award decision. 

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If I have additional questions, who should I contact?

Please call our office at 208-244-5205; a member of our team will be glad to assist you.

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