Latest Housing Update regarding ERAP and other Long Island Housing Assistance Programs

The 2022-23 State budget includes additional funds to support the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Prior to the addition of these funds, OTDA anticipated funding applications submitted through October 7, 2021. As a result of the additional funding, OTDA is processing eligible ERAP applications submitted through March 31, 2022. Although some towns have spent their allocated ERAP funds, residents in all towns (except residents in the Towns of Hempstead, Islip, and Oyster Bay) can still apply for ERAP through the OTDA portal. Even though 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 application process for Town residents with household incomes up to 80 percent of the area median income, however, Town of Hempstead and Oyster Bay is not currently accepting applications. Households in any part of the state with incomes over 80 percent and up to 120 percent of area median income can still apply for state-funded emergency rental assistance to stay an eviction HOWEVER any applications submitted after February 14, 2022 will most likely be denied due to lack of adequate funding. 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.

ERAP PROGRAM CURRENTLY CLOSED. For more information, visit Town of Hempstead Emergency Rental Assistance Program or call (844) 260-7536 or email hempsteaderap@lihp.org.

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

ERAP PROGRAM CURRENTLY CLOSED. For more information, visit Town of Oyster Bay Emergency Rental Assistance Program (lihp.org). Questions? Call (844) 260-7541 or email oysterbayerap@lihp.org.

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

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 WWW.MYBENEFITS.NY.GOV for further information or to apply.

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 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. 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.

Town of Brookhaven Rental Arrears Program– PROGRAM IS NOW OPEN!!

MAY 9, 2022 and CLOSES JUNE 7, 2022 at 5pm. The Town of Brookhaven (Town) is making CDBG-CV funds available for low to moderate income Town of Brookhaven residents with rental arrears incurred due to a COVID-19 related loss of income. The Long Island Housing Partnership (LIHP) will administer the program. Funds will cover a maximum of$25,000 of arrears, and are paid directly to the landlord. Please visit https://www.lihp.org/brookhavenarrears.html for more information or to apply.

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 and Spanish.