Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

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. (A household must be eligible for rental arrears payments in order to apply for utility arrears payments as well. A household cannot only apply for utility arrears).
• Payments will be made directly to the landlord/property owner and utility company on behalf of the tenant. Property owners may initiate an ERAP application on behalf of tenants who are otherwise eligible for ERAP. Tenant applicants will be notified of the amounts paid on their behalf.

New York residents may be eligible for ERAP if they meet all of the following criteria:

They fell behind in rent since the COVID-19 pandemic began on or after March 13, 2020; AND

They qualified for unemployment benefits OR have lost income and/or have an increase in expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic; AND

They have a monthly gross (before tax) household income below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) or $85,950 for a family of three.

A household may qualify based on current income or calendar year 2020 income that is at or below 80 percent AMI.

Households eligible for rental arrears may also be eligible for help paying utility arrears at the same rental unit.

During the first 30 days of the program, New York State is prioritizing households with income at or below 50% AMI or $43,700 for a family of three AND at least one household member within the following categories:

• Currently unemployed for at least 90 days;

• Veteran;

• Experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor of human trafficking;

• Has an eviction case related to their current residence pending in court;

• Lives in a community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19;

• Lives in a dwelling of 20 or fewer units; or

• Lives in a mobile home.

After the first 30 days, applications for all eligible households will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds are limited so all eligible households should apply as soon as possible regardless of whether they are in a priority group.

Tenants in New York State may be eligible for ERAP if all the following apply:

• 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 either current monthly 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 household income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship, directly or indirectly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The applicant is obligated to pay rent and has rental arrears (rent overdue) at their current residence for rent owed on or after March 13, 2020.
• The household is 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.

Important Note Regarding Priority Application Processing

For the first 30 days of the program, from 6/1/21-6/30/21, priority will be given to households in the following order:

1. Households with income at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) that also include a household member who:
   • Is currently unemployed for at least 90 days; or
   • Is a veteran; or
   • Is experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor of human trafficking; or
   • Has an eviction case related to their current residence pending in court; or
   • Resides in a mobile home; or
   • Lives in a community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19; or
   • Lives in a dwelling of 20 or fewer units.
2. Households with income at or below 50 percent AMI.
3. Households with income at or below 80 percent AMI that also include a household member who:
   • Is currently unemployed for at least 90 days; or
   • Is a veteran; or
   • Is experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor of human trafficking; or
   • Has an eviction case related to their current residence pending in court; or
   • Resides in a mobile home; or
   • Lives in a community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19; or
   • Lives in a dwelling of 20 or fewer units.
4. Households with income at or below 80 percent AMI.

After 6/30/21 (the first 30 days), applications for all eligible households will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds remain available.

• Personal identification for all household members. Acceptable forms of identification include, but are not limited to: a photo ID, driver license, consular ID, passport, EBT/Benefits Issuance Card, birth or baptismal certificate, school registration, or other government-issued ID.
• Proof of rental amount – Signed lease, even if expired. If no lease is available then acceptable documentation includes 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, driver license. Proof should be current.
• Proof of income to document income eligibility:
  • Documents demonstrating current 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 copy of completed income tax return, such as 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 types of self-employment.
• Copy of gas or electric utility bill or other evidence of customer debt to utility provider, if also applying for help paying for utility arrears at the same rental unit.

Applicants will be asked to attest that on or after March 13, 2020, a member of the household received unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship, directly or indirectly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The applicant will need to sign the application form and associated certifications agreeing that the information provided in the application is accurate.

Landlords must provide information on the amount of rent due and amount that remains unpaid by the tenant. Landlords also must provide banking information to receive payment.

Households that do not have a lease will be required to provide other proof of a rental obligation, such as a landlord statement, canceled check or proof of electronic payment. Landlords will also be asked to provide the most recent lease and provide other proof that the individual is a tenant.

Yes. Continue to check the OTDA website (www.otda.ny.gov) for information. Alternatively, you can also download them via our NYDIS website and social media platforms.

visit OTDA website for more FAQs