Cupertino Partners With Startup For Coronavirus Rental Assistance

CUPERTINO, CA — A personal finance technology startup has partnered with the city of Cupertino to administer a rental assistance program for those experiencing housing insecurity amid the coronavirus crisis.

The city has partnered with Earnin on a lending assistance program to approved Cupertino households.

Earnin users who download the app will receive $500 automatically deposited monthly for up to four months. They’ll be expected to pay the amount back in full.

The program is in direct response to those impacted financially by the COVID-19 crisis. It will serve applicants at or below the Area Median Income (AMI) threshold. The Earnin app will serve as the distribution platform, getting assistance funds from the city to approved households.

“Cupertino is offering renters’ assistance in a manner that is cutting-edge and designed to maximize the amount of help that we can provide,” Cupertino Vice-Mayor Darcy Paul said in a statement.

“As part of the Council majority approving this effort, I am proud to support these compassionate and forward-looking public-private partnership efforts. Working together, we can optimize outreach and promote financial sustainability for members of our community and beyond.”

Earnin will debit $200 per month starting on April 1st, 2021, but will work directly with recipients to customize payment plans if needed.

Unlike a loan, this rental assistance will not accrue interest or impact residents' credit scores at any point in the program, including any repayment accommodations.

The application period will be open through Thursday at 5 p.m. Click here to learn more about the program or apply for rental assistance from the city of Cupertino. To download the Earnin app, click here.