Where to look
Check eligibility with the program. Rules, income limits, dates and funding change and differ by area. This site is a directory of official and major nonprofit help. It is not legal or financial advice, and we are not connected to any program. Official programs don’t charge a fee to apply.
There isn’t one national deposit program in the US. Help usually comes from local programs and charities, so start with:
211
United Way 211 (nonprofit)
A free, confidential helpline that connects you with local help for rent, utilities, food and more. Call or text 211, or search online.
How to get it: Call 211 or visit 211.org and enter your ZIP code.
HUD-approved housing counselors
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Free or low-cost advice from approved agencies on renting, avoiding eviction, and budgeting.
How to get it: Call 800-569-4287 or search online. Check that “rental” is on the agency’s list of services.
HUD rental assistance (public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Long-term help with rent for low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) can pay all or part of the rent for a privately owned home. Waiting lists are common.
How to get it: Contact your local public housing agency (PHA).
Emergency help with rent
USAGov
The official government guide to finding emergency rent help near you. Note: the federal Emergency Rental Assistance program has ended; any remaining help is run by local governments and charities.
How to get it: Follow the steps for your state and local area.
Outside the US
United Kingdom
- Citizens Advice: Free, independent advice on bills, benefits, debt and housing, online, by phone or in person.
- Discretionary Housing Payments (Wales and Scotland): Extra help with rent if you get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and still can’t cover your housing costs.
- Shelter (England): Free housing advice, including what to do about rent arrears and finding a deposit.
Canada
- 211 Canada: Free help finding local community, social, health and government services.
Australia
- Crisis Payment: A one-off payment for people on an income support payment who are in severe financial hardship because of certain extreme circumstances.
- Ask Izzy: Find free or low-cost services near you, such as food, housing and money help.
Tips
- Ask whether the landlord will split the deposit into payments.
- Get every agreement in writing.
- Keep receipts and a copy of your lease.
- Check the rent fits your budget first with our rent affordability calculator.
Get ready to apply
Programs usually ask you to prove who you are, where you live and what your household earns. Before you call, it helps to have:
- ID for the person applying
- Recent proof of income for everyone in the home (pay stubs, benefit letters)
- Your latest bill, and any past-due or shut-off notice
- Your lease or rental agreement (for rent help)
- Your account numbers
Call your utility or landlord early. Many will agree a payment plan if you ask before you fall far behind.
Watch out for scams
Real programs don’t charge you to apply. A utility company won’t demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app to stop a same-day shut-off. If someone does, hang up and call the number on your bill. FTC: scammers pretend to be your utility company.
Find help that fits you
Pick your country and what you need help with to see official programs.
Open the bill help finderFrequently asked questions
Can I get help paying a security deposit?
Sometimes. Local housing programs and charities may help with move-in costs. Call 211 or a HUD-approved housing counselor to find what’s available near you.
Does a Housing Choice Voucher pay the deposit?
A voucher pays all or part of the monthly rent. Ask your local public housing agency what other help it offers.
UK: can my council help with a deposit?
Ask your local council. In England, councils give crisis help through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, and Shelter explains your options.
Last reviewed: October 2026. General information only — check providers' official sites for current features and pricing.