Politics & Government
NJ Opens $100M Coronavirus Rental Assistance Program
The state has set aside $100 million for the program to help those who've been out of work due to the pandemic pay their rent.
TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey residents who are struggling to pay their rent during the coronavirus pandemic may be eligible for rental assistance through a state program that opened on Monday.
The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide up to six months of temporary rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income or became unemployed due to the pandemic.
There has been $100 million set aside for the program operated by the state Department of Community Affairs.
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Assistance will be capped at the fair market rent standard or the total of the rent, whichever amount is lower. All participants will be reviewed three months in to see if they are still in need of assistance. Applicants must meet income and eligibility requirements and must be at least 18 years old or be an emancipated minor.
Participants will be selected through an online lottery process.
Find out what's happening in Toms Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Applications for the online lottery opened at 9 a.m. Monday and will be available through 5 p.m. July 17. The state extended the application period by a week from its initial announcement.
The online application is accessible by computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
To be eligible for the program you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a gross, annual household income that is at or below the maximum income limits for the county where they are residing
- Be a New Jersey resident and rent a unit in New Jersey
- Rent must be current as of March 2020; this program will not assist with arrears
- Have a substantial reduction in income or are currently receiving unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Have a lack of assets and savings to pay rent
- Will pay a minimum of 30 percent of their income towards the rent.
Anyone currently receiving a subsidy from another rental assistance program or living in public housing is ineligible.
Additional information is available on the state website.
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