Rockland Offers Help For Expanded Rent Assistance Program

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has expanded the eligibility of the pandemic-era Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and Rockland County residents can take advantage of it.

The program assists households behind on their rent that have experienced financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

Wednesday, state officials began accepting applications for rental assistance from households previously ineligible to receive help — adversely affected by the pandemic and between 80 percent and 120 percent of the local median income.

"Rockland tenants have been approved for nearly $3,000,000 in rental assistance so far through this program," said Count Executive Ed Day. "I urge all residents that are eligible to apply as soon as possible as funds are limited."

Applications from households with income up to 100 percent AMI will be prioritized for processing through Oct. 29. After that, all applications for households with income up to 120 percent AMI will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, Social Services Commissioner Joan Silvestri said.

Median income varies by county and by household size. The income limits for Rockland County are:

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• On or after March 13, 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.
• The applicant is obligated to pay rent at their primary residence and has rental arrears (rent overdue) at their current residence for rent owed on or after March 13, 2020.
• The household must be at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which can be demonstrated by having rental arrears owed on or after March 13, 2020.

Renters interested in applying should visit the webpage.

"Newly eligible residents should apply as soon as possible because this opportunity and funding will not last long," Day said. "Our Department of Social Services is ready to help any tenant or landlord with the application process. Please call 845-364-3316 or e-mail ERAProgram@dfa.state.ny.us for help.”

Department of Social Services staff are available this week.

When applying, renters will need to provide:

• Personal identification for primary applicant (individual signing application). Acceptable forms of identification include items such as: A photo ID, driver license or non-driver government- issued ID, passport, EBT/Benefits Issuance Card, birth certificate or school registration.
• Social Security number of any household members who have been issued one. Individuals do not need to have a lawful immigration status to qualify for the program.
• Proof of rental amount, signed lease, even if expired. If no lease is available then proof can be shown through a rent receipt, canceled check or money order. If no documentation is available, landlord attestation will be accepted.
• Proof of residency and occupancy – Signed lease, rent receipt, utility bill, school records, bank statement, postal mail with name of applicant, insurance bill, or driver license. Proof should be current.
• Copy of gas or electric utility bill, if applying for help paying for utility arrears at the same rental unit.

Also they must provide Proof of Income:

• Documents demonstrating monthly income for the prior month, such as pay stubs, bank account deposit verification, unemployment benefits letter, or other proof or documents demonstrating annual income for 2020, such as a W-2 tax form from an employer, an annual statement of earnings, or a copy of a completed income tax return, such as a 1040, 1040EZ, 1099 tax form, or other evidence of 2020 annual income. Self-attestation through a written and signed statement of income is permitted in certain circumstances where no documentation is available such as certain self-employment.

Applicants will be asked to attest that on or after March 13, 2020, a member of the household received unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship, directly or indirectly, due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The applicant will need to sign the application form and associated certifications agreeing that the information provided in the application is accurate.