The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will provide temporary rental assistance and rental and utility arrears to low- and moderate-income households.

The application deadline for tenants living in New York City with income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) was November 14, 2021. Households with income over 80% and up to 120% of AMI can still apply for state-funded emergency rental assistance, however funding is not guaranteed.

Any ERAP application already under review or submitted prior to the deadline will be reviewed for eligibility by the State and payment will depend on available federal funds. If you did not apply for ERAP before the deadline and you need assistance, you can apply for Cash Assistance (Public Assistance or Welfare), including an emergency assistance grant (One Shot Deal).

If you are at risk of eviction, you may be eligible for free legal assistance through HRA's Office of Civil Justice. To learn more, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Tenants page.

Eligibility

Currently, applications are only accepted from New York City tenants who meet all of the following criteria: 

• You have fallen behind on rent since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. 
• A member of your household has qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardship—directly or indirectly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Your household income (before tax) is currently or was in 2020 over 80% and up to 120% of AMI. Find the NYC area median income for your household size.

After Applying

Approved applicants may receive: 

• Up to 12 months of rental arrears payments for rents accrued on or after March 13, 2020. 
• Up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30 percent or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent. 
• Up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that have accrued on or after March 13, 2020.
• Up to 12 months of protection against certain types of eviction, with limited exceptions for small buildings.
• Up to 12 months of monthly rent frozen at the amount it was when you applied.

All payments will be made directly to the landlord/property owner on behalf of the tenant. Tenants will be notified of the amounts paid on their behalf.

Applicants are protected from certain types of eviction while their application is pending. Documentation of immigration status will not be requested.

Further Assistance

You can get more information online and by phone, including FAQs and application status.

Online

Learn more and apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). You can also live chat with a representative on the website.

Log in to your ERAP account.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about ERAP.

Check the status of your application.

By Phone

• Agency: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
• Division: Rental Assistance Program
• Phone Number: (844) 691-7368
• Business Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8 AM - 7 PM
• Agents are available during business hours. Call volume is often high. If you get a busy signal, please try again later.