Final Applications Due By Jan. 20th
New City, NY – The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is permanently closing and the deadline to submit applications is 9:00 p.m., January 20th. After that, applications will no longer be accepted.
ERAP provided significant economic relief to low and moderate-income Rockland County households that experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were at risk of homelessness by providing rental arrears, temporary rental assistance, and utility arrears.
This program has helped over 1,700 Rockland County households and had paid out over $28 million directly to landlords and utilities on behalf of eligible households to help prevent homelessness.
“Without question, this program has been a helpful lifeline for many of our families and we encourage anyone who is behind on their rent or utilities to submit their application by the deadline,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Families can also contact our Department of Social Services for help applying.”
Rockland County households that have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and currently owe back rent are strongly encouraged to apply for this program before the application portal closes to new applications on January 20, 2023, at 9:00 PM.
For more information about the program, to view the eligibility requirements for the program, and to apply please visit https://otda.ny.gov/ERAP. Applications can only be submitted online.
In-person application assistance is available at the Rockland County Department of Social Services building located at 50 Sanatorium Road Building L, Pomona NY 10970 from 8:00 Am – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday. Please note that the office will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2023, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Applications submitted before the application portal closes on January 20, 2023, will continue to be processed in the order received, consistent with State law and program rules. Tenants and landlords may continue to upload required documentation for pending submitted applications after the ERAP application portal closes.
After January 20, 2023, low-income households in Rockland County that need assistance with rent arrears are encouraged to apply with the Rockland County Department of Social Services for Emergency and/or Temporary Assistance and households that require assistance with utility arrears are encouraged to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). To obtain information about these programs and to submit an electronic application please visit https://mybenefits.ny.gov. Households can also seek assistance by contacting the United Way Helpline, which has access to various local services, by dialing 2-1-1.