September 2022 Housing Update regarding ERAP and other Long Island Housing Assistance Programs

OTDA is currently processing eligible ERAP applications submitted through June 30, 2022. Although some towns (such as Town of Brookhaven) have spent their allocated ERAP funds, residents in all towns can still apply for ERAP through the OTDA portal. Although the application may not be approved due to lack of funds, any eviction proceeding should be stayed if there is a pending ERAP application until there is a final decision including going through any appeals process. Town of Islip, Hempstead, and Oyster Bay have a separate portal where residents can apply. The Town of Oyster Bay’s ERAP program reopened on August 5th! Applications from subsidized housing tenants whose rent is limited to a certain percentage of income (e.g. section 8) are not currently able to be paid. State law requires that these applications be paid after all other eligible applicants have been reviewed and paid. Therefore, at this time, none of the subsidized housing applications can be paid regardless of the date their application was submitted. Long Island residents with rental and utility arrears should apply now for assistance before the funds run out. If you receive a decision on your ERAP application that you disagree with, make sure to appeal within thirty (30) days by calling 844-691-7368 or filling out the OTDA online application form. To apply and determine eligibility, visit the OTDA website.

Residents of Hempstead

ERAP program is currently not accepting applications. For more information or to sign up for notifications on when the application portal opens us, visit Town of Hempstead Emergency Rental Assistance Program or call (844) 260-7536 or email hempsteaderap@lihp.org.

Residents of Islip

Apply through Town of Islip: Community Development Agency (islipcda.org). Questions? Call (631) 647-5683 or email erap@islipcda.org

Residents of Oyster Bay

ERAP Program is currently accepting applications through September 16, 2022 at 5pm. For more information, visit Town of Oyster Bay Emergency Rental Assistance Program (lihp.org). Questions? Call (844) 260-7541 or email oysterbayerap@lihp.org.

Other Long Island Towns

Apply through the New York State website: Emergency Rental Assistance Program OTDA (ny.gov).

OTHER RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Suffolk and Nassau County DSS- The Department of Social Services has programs available to provide help with receiving shelter or rent arrears to prevent homelessness. Please visit https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/dss.asp to find the contact information for your local Department of Social Services.

Project Anchor- Homelessness Prevention Network-Suffolk County Only- Do you owe rent & are at risk of losing your housing? Do you think you may have to go to a shelter? Reach out before you are forced out of your home. Free Services include: Case Management/Advocacy; Benefits Counseling; Employment Services; Landlord/Tenant Mediation; Community Referrals; and Financial assistance with rental and utility arrears for those who qualify. Contact Project Anchor Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm at (631) 854-9984 or email projectanchor@helpusa.org.

Nassau Suffolk Law Services, in partnership with Empire Justice Center, can now assist Nassau and Suffolk residential tenants with housing-related legal problems (like eviction) and a household income of up to 80% of the Area Median Income. Services are available through this partnership regardless of immigration status. Please call the office closest to you to see if you are eligible for legal services. Interpreters are available. Suffolk residents west of 112 can call 631-232-2400 and east of 112 can call 631-369-1112. Nassau residents can call 516-292-8100. Feel free to share our flyer in both English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole