Application Process and Prioritization Tool

Douglas County, KS

 

 

 

HSC Application and Prioritization Tool

Once tenants apply, applications are reviewed, and some applicants will be sent a supplementary questionnaire. Receiving a supplementary questionnaire does not guarantee funding, but means we need to gather more information. Supplementary questionnaires will be reviewed and those selected will be referred to application processors at partnering agencies. This process is fairly simple but can take time.

Online Application
Application Process
Additional Documents

Online Application

You do not need to understand this application process flow to apply for assistance. All you need to do to apply for assistance is fill out the application.

Go to Online Application

How does HSC Rent and Utility Assistance Work?

Have all documents ready when applying. You are not required to submit documents with your application, but having them ready does decrease time spent gathering documentation after the fact. Tenants can still apply even if they do not have all of the documents needed, but they will need to supply documentation within 48 hours of being reached by a processing agency.

Make sure that the contact information provided in the application is correct.

Keep an eye out for phone calls, voicemails, texts, and emails from an application processor. Communication could come from any one of our many partnering agencies.

Supply tenants with lease copies, ledgers, or other documentation in a timely fashion so that tenants can include it in their application.

Ensure that they or their staff keep an eye out for phone calls, voicemails, or emails from an application processor.

Review the Landlord Agreement immediately upon receipt and reaching out to the contact listed on the agreement if there is question or issue with the agreement.

The HSC Application Process

The Housing Stabilization Collaborative (HSC) reviews applications using a prioritization tool designed to identify households most at risk of eviction leading to homelessness. This process replaces the previous monthly lottery system and helps ensure limited funds are directed to households with the greatest need.

Applications remain active for 30 days, so you do not need to apply more than once during that time.

Each week, based on available funding, some applicants may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire. This does not mean you have been selected for funding—it simply means we need more information to continue reviewing your application.

After reviewing this information, some applications may be selected to move forward and sent to partner agencies for processing. Applicants will receive email updates throughout the process.

Applying for Assistance

To request assistance, complete the online application. After you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know your application was received.

How Applications Are Reviewed

Applications are reviewed using a prioritization tool that helps identify households who may be at the greatest risk of eviction leading to homelessness. This helps ensure that limited funds are directed to households with the most urgent needs.

Some applicants may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire so we can gather additional information to help inform the review process.

If Your Application Is Selected

If your application is selected to move forward, it will be sent to one of our partner agencies for processing. A processor will contact you directly to discuss next steps and may request additional documentation, such as proof of income, lease information, or other materials needed to verify eligibility.

Submitting an application does not guarantee funding, as assistance depends on eligibility and available funds.

Applicants should check email and voicemail regularly, including spam or junk folders.

These updates are intended to improve fairness, reduce delays, and better target assistance to households experiencing the greatest housing instability.

Additional Documents

The following types of documents may need to be provided to process an application.

For Past Due: Ledger or Balance Statement

For Current/Future: Lease or Ledger

For All Rent Payments: Landlord W-9*

*Douglas County has many landlord W-9 records

Documents showing utility company and full account number:

  • Bill
  • Past Due Notice
  • Disconnect Notice

These types of documents may be used to show income:

  • Paystub
  • Tax Return
  • Bank Statements
  • Social Security Letter
  • Disability Letter

Self-Attestation: Current funding sources allow for self-attestation. The applicant must read and accept a form during the application process. This is subject to change as funding sources may change.