Millions In Rent Aid Available To Middlesex County Residents

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – Millions of dollars are still available for Middlesex County residents struggling to pay rent amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Since launching in May this year, the Middlesex County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MCERAP) has already distributed $847,905 in rental assistance and $50,305 in utility assistance to county residents.

MCERAP is funded through a $24.6 million grant from the federal government. Funding is distributed on a priority basis, directly to landlords and utility companies. Assistance is limited to a maximum of 12 months of arrears and cannot be provided for rental and/or utility arrears incurred before March 2020.

“The economic crisis caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic has left countless Americans in financial distress due to job loss or reduced work hours. That includes many individuals and families right here in Middlesex County,” Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios said in a statement.

“Even as the economy begins to recover, there are many still in need of a helping hand to pay their rent or utility bills. The Middlesex County Emergency Rental Assistance Program offers just that – and there is still funding available.”

Families eligible for financial assistance are renter households in which one individual meets the following criteria:

• Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19
• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, mainly documented by having an outstanding rental balance and/or eviction filing
• Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (to check median income guidelines, click here).

Applications for financial assistance must be submitted by an adult member of the household or by a landlord on behalf of the household. All required information and documentation must be submitted before an application will be considered for funding.

Rental assistance provided should not duplicate any other federally funded rental assistance provided to that household.

For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/rentalassistance.