Housing, Foreclosure & Homelessness

What You Need to Know About the NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

**Important Update**

The ERAP application portal has reopened. All eligible tenants should apply. Click here to begin the application.

Although no federal money is currently available for NYS ERAP, more funding may become available in the Spring, so tenants should still apply. While an application for ERAP is pending eviction proceedings cannot move forward.

—

As of June 1, 2021, funding is available for New York City households who are behind in their rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households may have up to 12 months of their back rent paid and may be able to get three months of future rent, as well as other assistance.

Applying for ERAP

Learn how to apply for ERAP

Cómo Presentar Una Solicitud Del ERAP

Immigration Concerns and ERAP

What if I have concerns about ERAP and my immigration status?

¿Qué hago si tengo dudas sobre el ERAP y mi condición de inmigración?

Who is eligible?

New York City residents, regardless of their immigration status, may be found eligible if they:

Fell behind in rent since the COVID-19 pandemic began on March 13, 2020 AND
Qualified for unemployment benefits or have lost income and/or have an increase in expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic; AND
Have a monthly gross (before taxes) household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
- 1 Person Household = $66,850
- 2 Person Household = $76,400
- 3 Person Household = $85,950
- 4 Person Household = $95,450
- 5 Person Household = $103,100
- 6 Person Household = $110,750

**For information for households over 6 persons click here.

When should I apply?

Funds are limited so all eligible households should apply as soon as possible.

Do I have to repay the money?

If your household is found eligible, this money does not have to be paid back.

How does it work?

All payments will be made directly to the landlord/property owner on behalf of the tenant. Landlords may start an ERAP application on behalf of tenant(s) who are otherwise eligible for ERAP. Tenants will be notified of the amounts paid on their behalf. Qualified utility arrears (back payments) may also be covered by ERAP.

Where can I get more informaiton?

For additional information and to apply online please visit the NYS ERAP page. Here you will also find a renter’s checklist so that you can begin to put your documents together.

Can I get help with the application process?

If you need help with the application process, you will find a list of the agencies that will be assisting with this process here. You can contact any of these agencies, regardless of which borough you live in.

Translations

The information in this resource has been translated is available for download.

Arabic
Bengali
Chinese (Simplified)
Haitian Creole
Korean
Russian
Spanish

Disclaimer

The information in this document has been prepared by The Legal Aid Society for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.

Last Updated: 12 January

Is this page helpful?

More Resources About Housing, Foreclosure & Homelessness