President Biden today signed a Covid-19 stimulus package – labeled the American Rescue Plan — that will earmark an additional $2.2 billion in emergency rental assistance for California.

Besides the rent relief, California is expected to receive $1.2 billion in homeowner assistance, $590 million in funding to address homelessness, as well as money for areas including schools, vaccines and transit systems.

All told, California is expected to receive $40 billion from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.

The plan also includes $1,400 stimulus payments to Americans with qualifying income levels and extended unemployment benefits.

The upcoming infusion of rent assistance will be added to the $2.6 billion sent to California in the previous pandemic relief package signed by then-President Trump.

Of that money, $1.4 billion went to the state while $1.2 billion headed to “entitlement districts,” which are local jurisdictions with populations over 200,000.

On Monday, March 15, the state will open its application process for the $1.4 billion state rental aid. Many cities and counties have already begun accepting applications for the remaining $1.2 billion.

CAA on Thursday broadcast a webinar to help California housing providers navigate the application process for rental assistance. An on-demand version of the webinar will be available shortly. Members can find comprehensive information about the state’s rental assistance program at this page.

It is not yet clear how the next wave of federal rental assistance under the American Rescue Plan will be distributed. CAA will provide further details as they become available.