NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) application portal is officially closing Friday, 1/20/2023, @ 9pm EST. 

Individuals will not be able to submit applications, or complete applications that have been started but not submitted after this closing time. 

ERAP offers eligible tenants/landlords up to 12 months of rental arrears and 3 months of prospective rent. Presently ERAP is only considering applications for payment that were received up to 10/31/2022, but this date has been moved forward many times before, and may be moved forward again. 

When tenants apply for ERAP they immediately receive tenant legal protections against eviction. As long as the application is pending they continue to have those tenant legal protections which can be very important for those at threat of eviction. 

Here is the link to the ERAP application site: https://nysrenthelp.otda.ny.gov/en/. Tenants can apply themselves online. Once the tenant has applied there is a landlord section as well, and documentation that needs to be attached to both sides of the application. For more information about the program and to see what information is needed to apply, visit the ERAP site: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/

Tenants and landlords can dial 2.1.1, or 1.877.211.8667, to find out more about the ERAP program and to get assistance applying. Applications can be done over the phone and documents sent digitally, or the application can be done in person at our office in the Ithaca Commons if needed.

 

The Human Services Coalition is supporting local efforts to roll out the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) which assists households behind on their rent that have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

This NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides assistance for up to 12 months of past due rent and for some households, pay up to 3 months for future rent. The program can also pay for up to 12 months of overdue electric or gas bills.

DO I QUALIFY?

The program has now closed to anyone making under 80% Area Median Income (AMI) and only households with higher incomes are now eligible.

In Tompkins County the income limits are as follows:

Persons in Family 1 2 3 4 5
Lowest Income (80%AMI) $50,200 $57,400 $64,550 $71,700 $77,450

Highest Income
(120% AMI)

$75,360 $86,040 $96,840 $107,520 $116,160

The applicant owes past due rent at their current residence. On or after March 13, 2020, a member of the household received unemployment benefits or experienced financial hardship directly or indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Landlords can apply on behalf of tenants who have declined to submit an application for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or have vacated a rental unit with arrears.  Though funds for LRAP are fully committed and all applications submitted may not be funded, OTDA will continue to accept LRAP applications through November 21, 2021, at 5 p.m.

HOW CAN I APPLY?

Applications can be submitted online at otda.ny.gov/ERAP.
For local assistance with the online application, dial 2-1-1 or toll-free 877-211-8667, 8:30am to 5pm, Monday-Friday.

For more information, visit otda.ny.gov/ERAP or call 844-NY1RENT (844-691-7368) or contact 211 Tompkins/Cortland.