The ERAP application has been open since June 1, 2021, ready to provide rental assistance for both landlords and tenants. Now with an even easier process to apply, check now to see whether you too can qualify.

Do I Qualify for New York Emergency Rental Assistance?

You will qualify for New York's Emergency Rental Assistance Program if you meet all of the following criteria. No immigration status requirements are needed to qualify for the program. You may also be eligible for help paying utility dues.

Here are the requirements to qualify for ERAP:

• Household income is at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI) . Check AMI at Emergency Rental Assistance Program 80% Area Median Income (ny.gov)

• On or after March 13, 2020, a member of the household received unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic

• The applicant has rent obligations and has rent overdue at their current residence on rent owed on or after March 13, 2020

• The household is at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, proved by having rent overdue

 Note: download the official document here that outlines qualification requirements in further detail

You Will Receive ERAP Priority If…

If you or a member of your household meet any one of the below requirements, you may qualify for receiving New York rental assistance:

• Your household has an income at or below 50% the AMI. Check AMI here Emergency Rental Assistance Program Area 50% Median Income (ny.gov)

• You or a member of your household are currently and have been unemployed for at least 90 days

• Are a veteran

• Are currently experiencing domestic violence or are a survivor of human trafficking

• Have an eviction case related to current residence pending in court

• You reside in a mobile home

• You live in a community that was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19

• Live in a dwelling of 20 or fewer units

If You Are Approved For New York ERAP, You Can Receive…

• Up to 12 months of rent dues payments for rent accrued on or after March 13, 2020

• Up to 3 months of additional rent assistance if 30% of the household’s income is expected to go to rent

• Up to 12 months of electric or gas utility dues payments accrued on or after March 13, 2020

What Do I Need To Apply?

Both tenants and landlords who apply on behalf of the tenant can receive assistance. Below are the application requirements for each:

 Tenants

• Personal Identification

• Social Security Number of any household member (No need for lawful immigration status to qualify for the program)

• Proof of rental amount

• Proof of residency and occupancy

• Proof of income

Download the detailed documentation requirements checklist here.

  Landlords

• W-9 tax form

• Executed lease with tenant applicant or other documentation of the last full monthly rent payment

• Documentation of rent due

• Banking information

Landlords who received ERAP assistance must also agree to

• Waive any late fees for the months covered by the ERAP payments

• Not increase the monthly rent for one year after the receipt of the ERAP payment, AND

• Not evict the household for expired lease or holdover tenancy for one year after the receipt of the ERAP payment, with the exception that the property owner or owner’s immediate family members intend to immediately occupy the unit as a primary residence

Ready to Apply?

Apply for ERAP online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Home Page - ERAP Portal (ny.gov)