The COVID Rent Relief Program, announced last week by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, will provide eligible households in New York State with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household’s landlord. The program is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which is part of the CARES Act. The program is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Applicants will not need to repay this assistance. The COVID Rent Relief Program is not first come, first served. Applications will be accepted throughout the two-week application period ending July 30. HCR will prioritize eligible households with “greatest economic and social need” accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost, and risk of homelessness.
The rental assistance payment will cover the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the increase in rent burden for the months the households is applying for assistance. Households can apply for up to four months in rental assistance.
Eligible households must meet the following criteria:
- Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income must have been below 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size. You can find your county’s area median income, based on your household size.
- Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been paying more than 30% of gross monthly income towards rent. Gross income includes wages as well as any cash grants, child support, social security, unemployment benefits, etc.)
- Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.
Month-to-month tenants are eligible, as are tenants who lost income but have paid their rent in full. Households that receive Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers or live in public housing are also eligible. Proof of income loss is required.
HCR has created a dedicated call center to provide residents with help Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. until 7 p.m at 1-833-499-0318. Inquiries can also be made via email and more information about the program is available on the HCR website in a variety of languages.