The City of Austin is offering $10 million in Relief in a State of Emergency (RISE) 2.0 funds to individuals in Austin and Travis County through RISE 2.0.
RISE 2.0 funds come after the original $15 million of RISE funds were awarded to 20 non-profits and social services agencies in May and June. Most of the funds distributed to the original 20 agencies have been exhausted. While the original RISE funds were distributed to social services agencies, RISE 2.0 funds will be distributed directly to individuals who apply and are chosen through a randomized selection process. Chosen applicants will receive $2,000 per household.
“This process allows us to get financial help to the people who need it in the most efficient way for everyone,” said Stephanie Hayden, Austin Public Health Director. “We want to remove barriers and make sure our community can easily access the services and finances we have available.”
Eligibility Requirements
At or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level;
Resident of Austin or Travis County, Texas;
18 Years of age or older;
Experiencing hardship related to COVID-19; and
Have not received other financial assistance in the past 30 days.
Application Process
Sept. 8-11: The phone bank (512) 714-6950 will be open for questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For assistance applying in a language other than English or Spanish, please call (512) 714-6950.
Sept. 14: Households can start the application process online (fund.uptogether.org/rise2) or through the phone bank. The online application form will be available in English and Spanish. The phone bank will be available in multiple languages.
Sept. 21: Last day for households to apply. Applications must be submitted by 7 p.m. on this date.
Sept. 22 to Oct. 2: The phone bank will remain open during this time to answer any questions from the public.
Sept. 23- to Oct. 6: The randomized application selection process will be completed, and applicants will be notified of whether or not they were selected.
Sept. 23 to Oct. 30: Funds will be distributed to the chosen applicants.
Learn more here.