Union County Board of Commissioners to Re-Open Rental Assistance

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce that the Union County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), will be re-opening. Eligible residents adversely impacted by COVID-19 can apply for assistance beginning Monday March 7th, 2022.

Starting March 7th at 9:00 a.m. qualifying residents can submit their application online: ucnj.org/rental-assistance/.

Under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, eligible tenants can receive up to 12 months of assistance for unpaid back rent/utility bills and 3 months of forthcoming assistance. The funds will be awarded directly to landlords and utility providers on behalf of tenants who are approved for the grant.

“The Union County Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides significant economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing temporary rental and utility assistance” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “The Commissioner Board is committed to doing all that we can to continue to assist those in need, and the rental assistance program is an important part of those efforts.”

Assistance is available to all qualifying Union County residents regardless of immigration status.

If any applicant needs additional assistance submitting their application or is experiencing technical difficulties, please reach out to any of our Community Partners:

Family Promise Union County - (908) 289-7300

Urban League of Union County - (908) 351-7200

United Way of Greater Union County - (908) 353-7171

Staff will inform applicants of all required documentation to bring to the appointment. Once staff has a complete application with all required documentation, the application will be reviewed and submitted. Applicants will be provided with documented proof of their filed rental assistance application for their landlord.

Eligibility requirements for applicants are as follows:

• Must be a tenant residing in Union County

• Household Income is at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI);

• Household income loss must be due to Covid-19;

• Must provide a current lease agreement or rental document.

For answers to additional questions please contact NJ Shares at 1-866-657-4273, text HELP to 64405 or via email unionerap@njshares.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services regarding COVID-19, including guidance for testing and vaccination, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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