Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico | Blue for Your Health | Summer 2021

bcbsnm.com/community-centennial 3 Rent and utility help now available Has your household experi- enced financial hardship because of COVID-19? If so, you may be eligible to receive help with your rent and utilities. In April the State of New Mexico announced a grant of $170 million in federal aid to New Mexicans for rent and utility assistance for households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) will administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in partner- ship with the City of Albuquerque. New Mexicans can apply for assistance at RentHelpNM.org . “New Mexicans have persevered through incred- ible challenges this last year,” says Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “My administration has stepped up not only to fight the health effects of the pandemic but also to assist businesses and individuals at every single opportunity—and this program is more of the same, as we put the dollars at our disposal to the best possible use: helping New Mexicans.” Renters across the state are eligible for the program—except for residents of Bernalillo County, Dona Ana County, and those who live in a pueblo or tribal area. Those two counties, as well as tribal governments, will administer their own Rental Assistance Programs. Those seeking assistance should review the current FAQ at RentHelpNM.org to learn more about eligibility and documentation needed for their application. The State of New Mexico will pay the landlord and/or the utility provider directly, depending on the financial assistance request by the applicant. Landlords and utility providers are encouraged to download a W9 and submit it to the DFA via ERAVendor.Relations@state.nm.us as soon as possible to ensure a streamlined process for receiving payment. For more information, visit RentHelpNM.org .