Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Important Update
We will be ending our ERAP services on 3/31. We’re no longer accepting new applications, but we’re offering support for existing document uploads and appeals.
We are now offering support for mediations, document uploads, and appeals. In addition our call center hours are now Monday-Friday, 9a – 5p.
Contact us at (929) 552-2489.
Currently, applications that fit the criteria below are still being accepted.
Households in any part of the state with income over 80 percent(opens in a new tab) and up to 120 percent(opens in a new tab) of area median income can still apply for state-funded emergency rental assistance.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) assists households behind on their rent that have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability. In addition, the program can provide temporary rental assistance and assistance with unpaid utility bills.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Webinar
Eligibility
New York residents are eligible for ERAP if they meet all of the following criteria:
• Household gross income is at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). These income limits differ by county and household size. A household may qualify based on current income or calendar year 2020 income that is at or below 80 percent AMI.
• On or after March 13, 2020, a member of the household received unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship, directly or indirectly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The applicant is obligated to pay rent at their primary residence and has rental arrears (rent overdue) at their current residence for rent owed on or after March 13, 2020.
• The household must be at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which can be demonstrated by having rental arrears owed on or after March 13, 2020.
There are no immigration status requirements to qualify for the program.
Households eligible for rental arrears may also be eligible for help paying utility arrears at the same rental unit.
Renters will need to provide:
• Personal identification for all household members. Acceptable forms of identification include: A photo ID, driver license or non-driver government-issued ID, passport, EBT/Benefits Issuance Card, birth or baptismal certificate, school registration.
• Social Security number of any household members who have been issued one. Individuals do not need to have a lawful immigration status to qualify for the program.
• Proof of rental amount, signed lease, even if expired. If no lease is available then proof can be shown through a rent receipt, canceled check or money order. If no documentation is available, landlord attestation will be accepted.
• Proof of residency and occupancy – Signed lease, rent receipt, utility bill, school records, bank statement, postal mail with name of applicant, insurance bill, or driver license. Proof should be current.
• Documents demonstrating monthly income for the prior month, such as pay stubs, bank account deposit verification, unemployment benefits letter, or other proof;
OR
• Documents demonstrating annual income for 2020, such as a W-2 tax form from an employer, an annual statement of earnings, or a copy of a completed income tax return, such as a 1040, 1040EZ, 1099 tax form, or other evidence of 2020 annual income.
• Self-attestation of income is permitted in certain circumstances where no documentation is available such as certain self-employment.
• Copy of gas or electric utility bill, if applying for help paying for utility arrears at the same rental unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/faq.asp
Past Events
