How it works
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program(ERAP) is designed to assist renters with their arrears in accommodation, utility bills, and limited future rent and also provide protection from a specific type of eviction from their landlord and from the undue increment in rent. Note that applying for NYC ERAP benefits does not stop you from also applying to other programs like Cash Assistance or One Shot Deal emergency assistance from NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA).
How long does it cover
You can get the following coverage ERAP:
- Emergency Assistance in rent for up to twelve(12) months of arrears
- ERAP for up to three(3) months of your next rent if you spend 30 percent or more of your gross monthly income to pay for rent.
- Get up to twelve(12) months of late electricity or gas utility bills.
Moreover, you will get protection and cannot be evicted by your landlord for late rent payments if you are found eligible for the NYC ERAP benefit.
When is the appropriate time to apply
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program(ERAP) has reopened since January 11, 2022 and is still accepting new applications. You may apply through http://www.otda.ny.gov/erap or by contacting one of the community-based organization that are empowered to register client:
646-484-9937
Neighborhood Association for Intercultural Affairs, Inc. (NAICA)
718-866-0038
Brooklyn
Black Veterans for Social Justice, Inc.
718-841-7771 or 1-800-323-6736
929-552-2248
Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty
929-292-9480
RiseBoro Community Partnership
718-547-2800
Manhattan
Catholic Charities Community Services
888-744-7900
Queens
Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc
646-248-6602
RiseBoro Community Partnership
718-547-2800
Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services (CCNS)
347-464-0485
Staten Island
929-724-5360
Can my landlord apply for ERAP for me
Yes, your landlord has the option of starting the application for ERAP for you, but both the landlord and the tenant at a certain time will have to finish the process together with certain parts of the NYC ERAP benefit application. Know that your landlord will be the one to complete part of the process that wants to know the arrears in rent then you owe them.
Also, you as a tenant must service the official with some specific information such as the details of your income for a proper decision to be made and most importantly, applicants will need to attest that after March 1, 2020, a member of their household receives a reduction in income.
Below are the documents that will be needed for you to qualify for the program:
- Personal Identification
- Proof of rental amount
- Proof of residency and occupancy
- Proof of income to document income eligibility:
- Documents that demonstrate current monthly income
- Documents that demonstrate annual income for 2020
- Gas and electricity utility bills or proof of consumer utility debt