1. How it Works
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps renters who accrued late rent and utility bills on or after March 13, 2020. There is also help to pay for some future rent, and protection from certain types of eviction and rent increases.
- ERAP assistance may cover:
- Up to 12 months of late rent
- Up to 3 months of future rent if your household pays 30% or more of gross monthly income for rent
- Up to 12 months of late electric or gas utility bills
- Tenants who are eligible may receive these protections related to the ERAP payment:
- You cannot be evicted for not paying late rent covered by the ERAP payment.
- Your landlord cannot collect late fees associated with the ERAP payment.
- Your landlord cannot increase your monthly rent for one year.
- Your landlord cannot bring certain types of eviction cases against you for one year.
- Payment will be made directly to the landlord, property owner, or utility company on the tenant’s behalf. Tenants will be notified of payment made on their behalf.
- The ERAP payment is not considered income for tenants when qualifying for public assistance and other benefits.
- You can apply even if you have an eviction case pending against you. Applying will likely suspend an eviction case.
- Landlords have the option to decline ERAP payments. If this is the case, tenants are still encouraged to apply because an approved ERAP application may be used as a defense if you are brought to court.
- Landlords can apply on behalf of tenants.
- ERAP has limited funds. You can still apply for Cash Assistance or One Shot Deal emergency assistance from NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA). If you applied for ERAP earlier, include proof of your ERAP application with your HRA application for rental assistance.
- U.S. citizenship is not a requirement. Immigration status will not be requested.
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Related
Cash & Expenses COVID-19 impacted Everyone Families Housing Immigrants NYCHA residents People with disabilities Pregnant & new parents Seniors Students VeteransMore ways to get help with this program
Get help online
Chat with an agent from the NY State ERAP Messaging System.
If you have a disability, you can request a reasonable accommodation by emailing accessibility@otda.ny.gov
Learn more
Visit the ERAP FAQ from the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.
Visit the ERAP site from NY OTDA.
Call 311
If you are at risk of eviction, you may be eligible for free legal assistance. Call 311 and ask for “Tenant Helpline.”
Call the NY State ERAP Call Center
Call the NY State ERAP Call Center at 844-NY1-RENT (844-691-7368), 8am – 7pm daily. For TTY call 833-843-8829.
2. Determine your eligibility
U.S. citizenship is not a requirement and immigration status will not be requested.
You may be eligible if you can answer yes to all of these questions.
- Do you have late rent owed after March 2020?
- Did one or more members of your household lose income due to the COVID-19 pandemic? This can include:
- receiving Unemployment Insurance
- having less income
- having a significant increase in expenses
- Is your household’s current or calendar year 2020 gross income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)?:
| Family Size | 80% AMI Income in a year | 80% AMI Income in a month | 80% AMI Income in a week |
| 1 | $66,850 | $5,570 | $1,285 |
| 2 | $76,400 | $6,366 | $1,469 |
| 3 | $85,950 | $7,162 | $1,652 |
| 4 | $95,450 | $7,954 | $1,835 |
| 5 | $103,100 | $8,591 | $1,982 |
| 6 | $110,750 | $9,229 | $2,129 |
| 7 | $118,400 | $9,866 | $2,276 |
| 8 | $126,000 | $10,500 | $2,423 |
| 9 | $133,650 | $11,137 | $2,570 |
| 10 | $141,250 | $11,770 | $2,716 |
| 11 | $148,900 | $12,408 | $2,863 |
| 12 | $156,550 | $13,045 | $3,010 |
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3. What you need to include
You will need the documents below to apply:
Proof of who you are
For each member of your household, one of the following:
- Photo I.D.
- Driver’s license or non-driver government-issued ID
- Passport
- EBT/Benefits Issuance Card
- Birth or baptismal certificate
- School registration
- Other government-issued ID
Proof of Social Security Number (optional)
- Social Security Number of any household members who have one (this is not required)
Proof of rental amount
Submit one of the following:
- Signed lease, even if expired
- Rent receipt, canceled check, or money order
- Landlord attestation letter
Proof of where you live
Submit one of the following current documents:
- Signed lease
- Rent receipt
- Utility bill
- School records
- Bank statement
- Postal mail with your name
- Insurance bill
- Driver’s license
Proof of your income
Submit documents that show your monthly income for the prior month:
- Pay stubs
- Bank account deposit verification
- Unemployment insurance (UI) benefits letter
- Other proof
OR submit documents that shows your annual income for 2020:
- W-2 tax form from your employer
- Annual statement of earnings
- Copy of income tax return (1040, 1040EZ, 1099, etc.)
- Self-attestation letter in some circumstances like self-employment
Proof of your utility expenses
If you are applying for help paying for overdue utility bills (utility arrears) at the same rental unit:
- Copy of gas or electric bill
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4. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply online
Tenants should apply as soon as possible. While your ERAP application is pending, you will likely be protected from certain types of eviction.
NYCHA residents: When applying, be sure to select either “Public Housing” or “Section 8” depending on which program, if any, apply to your housing.”
Apply by phone
Get help applying through an ERAP Enroller Organization.
Come back to it later.
We can send you a link to this page to help you get back to it when you’re ready.
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