The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) may provide temporary rental assistance and rental and utility arrears to low- and moderate-income households.
As of January 11th, 2022 at 10 PM, New York State began accepting statewide applications for ERAP again. There is currently no federal funding available to provide assistance to New York City residential tenants. Therefore, applications will only be reviewed and considered for funding if additional funds become available.
Applying for ERAP will provide tenants with certain protections while a decision is being made on their application and for tenants whose application is approved.
If you are at risk of eviction, you may be eligible for free legal assistance through HRA's Office of Civil Justice. To learn more, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Tenants page.
Eligibility
New York City residential tenants who meet the following criteria can apply for ERAP:
- Your household gross income meets one of the Area Median Income (AMI) limit specifications below based on either the current income or calendar year 2020 income for your household. Find the NYC area median income for your household size.
- At or below 80 percent AMI: There is currently no federal funding available to provide assistance to New York City residential tenants. Therefore, applications will only be reviewed and considered for funding if additional funds become available. Certain tenant protections are available while your application is pending.
- Between 80 and 120 percent AMI: Starting September 15, 2021, households with income between 80 and 120 percent AMI are eligible for a state-funded ERAP payment so long as funds remain available. All applications for households with income between 80 and 120 percent AMI will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- On or after March 13, 2020, a member of the household received unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship, directly or indirectly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- You have fallen behind on rent since March 13, 2020.
- Your 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.
