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Local Information: Emergency Rental Assistance Program

About the Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides significant economic relief to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are provided directly to States, U.S. Territories, local governments, and Indian tribes. Grantees use the funds to provide assistance to eligible households through existing or newly created rental assistance programs.

Eligibility: An "eligible household" is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals 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 and
  • Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income.
  • ERAP is not guaranteed and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

HOW TO APPLY

The APPLICATION DEADLINE for Emergency Rental Assistance in New York state HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL JANUARY 15, 2022. Protection from eviction is provided during the application review process, provided the application is submitted by this date. Westchester County residents submit their applications as follows:

APPLICATION HELP

For general questions about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and referrals, call United Way at 211 or visit homes.westchestergov.com/housing-help.

Application assistance is also available from the NY State Rent Help website via chat and by calling their helpline at 1-844-NY1-RENT (1-844-691-7368) Monday through Saturday from 8 AM - 7 PM. 

The following Westchester community organizations are also available for assistance: