Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
ERAP was enacted through this year’s state budget, and is expected to provide up to $2.7 billion in emergency assistance to low and moderate-income tenants impacted by the pandemic. Households approved for ERAP may receive:
· Up to 12 months of rental arrears payments for rents accrued on or after March 13, 2020.
· Up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30 percent or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent.
· Up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that have accrued on or after March 13, 2020.
Applications are being accepted now and there's not enough money for everyone eligible. So apply now. To view eligibility details and to apply, visit this link. Please note that you are eligible to apply regardless of immigration status if your household income is below 80% of “area median income,” which you can check here. If you have an eviction case, it will be stayed while you apply, so you can't be evicted while your application is being processed.
There have been glitches with th online application process and long wait times for the OTDA call center. The situation appears to be improving, and you should go ahead an apply. If you are experiencing difficulty, or have questions about the application process, you can call the following ERAP “enrollers” for assistance:
· Catholic Charities Community Services at 888-744-7900
· University Settlement at 212-453-4500
The following resources are also available to help New Yorkers with the ERAP application process:
· Call New York State at 844-691-7368 for assistance with the application.
· Older adults and people with disabilities can call LiveOn NY for assistance with the ERAP application. Call 212-398-5045 or email benefits@liveon-ny.org.
· The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is answering questions about the ERAP application. Call 929-356-9582 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, or Contact NYLAG Online
This is taken from State Senator Liz Krueger's 7/2/21 email.
