How to get New York Emergency Rental assistance programs – Living in New York City is by far one of the most expensive things you can do in the United States. You’ll find $5 coffee, $30 burgers, and $1,000 sundaes here! Almost no one in New York would ever dream of spending $1,000. They are much more concerned with paying rent. A Rent in New York can be paid in a number of ways for your convenience You are not alone if you live in New York and have trouble paying your rent. Rent burdens a significant portion of the city’s residents, who spend nearly two thirds of their annual income on housing.
Section 8 programs can be beneficial, but the waiting list is often lengthy. Most affordable homes are those for which the owner spends no more than 30 percent of their income on them. The average person in New York City spends 50 percent or more of their income on it. There have been fewer evictions in recent years, but for many New Yorkers, the fear of not paying rent is a constant threat. This is why we have prepared a list (though not exhaustive) of resources, programs, and assistance that you may be able to utilize if you don’t have enough money to pay for your home in the big city.
Highlights of this Post
New York Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
A new program devoted to helping those who have fallen on hard times due to the pandemic or who are about to be evicted from their homes is now available throughout the state territory. If rent is more than 30% of the applicant’s gross monthly income, the ERAP program will award the full amount of 12 back rent payments. Further, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) offers to pay up to 12 monthly utilities (gas and electricity).
Eligibility criteria for New York Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The following eligibility criteria must be met before you can apply to the ERAP:
- At least 80% of the area median income (AMI) must be earned by the household.
- In addition, households earning between 80% and 120% of the area median income (AMI) are also eligible to apply, but with less priority.
- Household size and your county determine these limits. An individual in the household has begun receiving unemployment benefits on or after 2020.
- The tenant must be in imminent danger of eviction and have rent debts. ERAP in New York does not have immigration status requirements, so undocumented immigrants can also apply.
Get Help to pay rent in New York
New York City has several agencies that assist families and individuals with financial needs. New York City has nonprofits, charities, and government-funded programs in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island. Non-profit organizations are often well-suited to providing eviction prevention and legal assistance. In some cases, especially the most extreme ones, these services can be vital.
Several non-profits, law firms, and anti-eviction legal service providers have teamed up with the New York City Department of Homeless Services to help pay rent and keep homeless people housed. This is called preventing evictions. You can receive one-time rental assistance as well as free legal assistance for housing issues – whether you are an immigrant, a senior, a minority or a single mother.
How to apply to the ERAP New York?
New York State’s website for emergency rental assistance is ERAP NEWYORK. The following documentation is required during the application process:
- Individual identification for each family member.
- Documents accepted include: a government-issued photo ID, a driver’s license or nondriver ID, a passport, a birth or baptismal certificate, or a school record along with the family members’ Social Security numbers
- and proof of residence for each member
- as well as proof of income. This can be any of the following:
- A proof of the previous month’s income, such as a pay stub, verification of bank account deposits, letter of unemployment benefits, etc., or
- You may need documents that show your annual income for 2020, such as a W-2 form from your employer, a statement of your earnings, or a copy of your completed income tax return, such as IRS Forms 1040, 1040EZ, or 1099, or you may need
- Self-certification of income (only allowed when documentation is not available, such as certain self-employment).
- Copy of electricity or gas utility bill (in case of requesting help to pay debts for these services)
Things you need to know before asking for help to pay rent in New York
Know the terms of your lease
Before you panic, make sure you read your lease carefully. If you do not pay your rent, you may face actions from your landlord. Late fees will typically appear in the contract, as well as a grace period.
Contact the owner
In the event that you will not be able to pay your rent, your landlord should be contacted as soon as possible. Even if it is your first time experiencing the issue, there is a chance that he will be willing to work with you. If you decide to work out a payment plan with your landlord or reach an agreement, remember to have a written agreement.
Pay the Least rent
because it is better to pay an amount than nothing at all. When you and the landlord reach an agreement, make an early or partial payment . Make sure that you receive a receipt from the landlord if you are forced to make cash payments.
Talk to your family or friends
When you reach out to your friends and family for financial assistance, you can often get the help you need without feeling uncomfortable talking about money. It is best to speak to your guarantor now if you have one. Be sure that you let him know as soon as possible that you will need his financial assistance to pay the rent. In order to get back on track financially, it will be necessary to develop a realistic plan. Be honest with yourself if you’re worried about paying rent for the next few months as well. Make sure everything is laid out clearly from the beginning.
Get Help from Internet
You can use a fundraising site like Plumfund or GoFundMe if you don’t have a guarantor and don’t have any friends or family who will help you. It offers a platform designed specifically for those who are experiencing financial hardship. Using the money you raise for rent, utilities, medical bills, and other emergencies is possible. All users and contributors use the service for free, however, donations by credit card are charged a small processing fee (2.8%).
New York Citywide rental and housing assistance programs
The cost of living in New York is a major concern for millions of New Yorkers. In other words, it is crucial to know where to go for assistance before an eviction occurs. You can get help staying in your rental home through emergency rental assistance programs. You need to understand that it isn’t necessarily their fault if you have ended up on the street. This can be caused by various factors, including losing your job, becoming sick, being involved in an accident and unable to work, getting divorced, or even unforeseen disasters.
As a consequence, New York’s numbers of homeless people have reached their highest levels since the Great Depression. It is estimated in 2015 that there were almost 60,000 homeless people, including men, women, children, and families. People living on the streets, in shelters, and welfare hotels comprise the majority of them. New York City has 85% more people living in shelters than it did a decade ago, in the order of ideas above.
This page contains information about charities, nonprofits, and programs. Many organizations in the metro area provide rental assistance, shelter, or low-income housing; others assist with a security deposit or with the first few months of rent.
Programs & organizations that help paying rent in New York
Center for Urban Community Services
These programs provide prevention, shelter, and temporary and permanent housing assistance. In addition to providing budgeting assistance, career counseling, and job search assistance, case managers also provide other services. Find out more about the center’s services by clicking here.
“One Shot Deal” emergency program
One Shot Deal provides an emergency cash grant to tenants who are having difficulty paying their rent due to unforeseen circumstances. Among the possibilities are homelessness, eviction, utility disconnection or termination, fire disasters, and family violence. Information on eligibility cannot be disclosed since each case is handled individually. You can reach the Human Resources Association at (718) 557-1399 for more information or assistance.
New York City Human Resources Administration
The Department is involved in many housing assistance programs. Their services include providing emergency grants to help pay rent or energy bills, offering supportive housing to the disabled or elderly, and operating shelters. In addition to providing legal assistance to immigrants, the Department also helps them with rent and deposits.
Living in Communities (LINC)
LINC is a program run by the Human Resources Administration of New York City. In New York City, people who are homeless or recently evicted can get a subsidy to pay their rent on a low-income apartment or house. Among other groups at risk, assistance is provided to victims of domestic violence and those with low incomes. In contrast to many other resources, the applicant for this program is contacted by the Department. Therefore, individual applicants cannot directly apply for this program.
Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS)
Rent supplements are available to families with children who receive cash assistance and are at risk of eviction or have lost their housing due to health and safety issues, which include domestic violence. According to this program, families are paid according to their rental expenses as well as their family size. For more information on the requirements and how to apply, see the fact sheet below.
Special Exit and Prevention Supplement (SEPS)
Children and adults without children at risk of entering shelters, as well as those who are already in shelters and attempting to secure permanent housing, may qualify for SEPS. There are a number of issues with this option, since its duration depends on the applicant’s resources, so it varies from case to case. For more information, see this fact sheet.
NYC emergency solution
Depending on the level of federal funding, grants may be available from this program. A person can use the money to cover rent during eviction proceedings or to assist a homeless person in finding housing. A diverse group of people may benefit from the program, including those with low incomes and financial instability; however, the elderly and disabled are the groups most benefited. You can reach this program by calling (212) 639-9675.
Central Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
This organization operates throughout the city. A nonprofit organization may provide monetary assistance and referrals to other organizations depending on volunteer and donation levels. Please feel free to call them for more information at (212) 755-8615.
Catholic Organizations Helpline
All applicants are eligible for housing and rental assistance regardless of their religious affiliation. As well as emergency financial assistance, they provide stays in city shelters and stop eviction proceedings. Call 888-744-7900 for assistance.
Housing Court Answers
In Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, information about their rental assistance, shelter, and legal support programs is available. Aside from helping to ensure that apartments are repaired by owners, they can also refer you to lenders and provide financial assistance for rents, utilities, and deposits, or list local shelters. They can also help stop an eviction by mediating with landlords.
Office of Civil Justice
Free legal aid against evictions and harassment is provided by the Office of Civil Justice through government grants. The city of New York offers free legal assistance to tenants facing eviction due to discrimination, unsafe living conditions, or other issues. There is also the possibility of getting referred to programs that help pay for HRAs. You can reach the Office of Civil Justice at 311 or 718-557-1399 for more information about its assistance and location.
Home base
Designed to assist people at risk of homelessness, Homebase is a program run by the Department of Homeless Services. As part of the program, participants may receive financial counseling, rental assistance, and short-term financial help. A series of community organizations throughout the city work with Homebase in lieu of a single central location.
Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)
The DRIE exempts tenants with disabilities living in rent-stabilized, rent-controlled, and Mitchell-Lama houses and apartments from future rent increases. The difference in frozen rent is made up by tax credits for landlords participating in the DRIE program. This link will give you information about applying to the DRIE.
Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)
SCRIE works like this: Rent is frozen for rent-regulated apartment residents aged 62 and older who are the head of their household. Eligibility requires earning less than $50,000 each year. Tax credits are available to homeowners participating in the program. Visit the website for more information.
Bronx Rent Assistance Programs
You can get free legal services and advice from the agencies listed below to stop an eviction in the Bronx. In addition, if you’ve fallen behind on your rent due to circumstances beyond your control, you can get information on subsidies, government programs, and other ways to catch up.
| Name of Authority | Contact address | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Legal Aid Society (Bronx) | Legal Aid Society (Bronx) Address: 953 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 Phone: 718-991-4758 |
| 2 | LSNY Bronx | LSNY Bronx Address: 369 East 148th Street Bronx, NY 10455 Phone: 718-928-3700 |
| 3 | Neighborhood Association for Intercultural Affairs | Neighborhood Association for Intercultural Affairs Address: 1055 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10452 Phone: 718-538-3344 |
| 4 | CAMBA Legal Services | CAMBA Legal Services Address: 855 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn, New York 11226 Phone: 718-287-0010 |
Brooklyn Rent Assistance Programs
The following list provides information about local groups that offer emergency rental assistance to eligible individuals and families in Brooklyn. There is a different application process for each, and the funds are limited, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask them.
| Name of Authority | Contact address | What it offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Legal Aid Society (Brooklyn) | Legal Aid Society (Brooklyn) Address: 166 Montague Brooklyn, New York 11201 Phone: 718-722-3100 | free or low-cost legal advice, landlord-tenant mediation services, and other tenant support. |
| 2 | South Brooklyn Legal Services | South Brooklyn Legal Services | |
| 3 | Brooklyn Community Housing and Services | Brooklyn Community Housing and Services | eviction prevention services, access to shelters and transitional housing (such as the Navy Green SRO), and support to veterans. |
| 4 | Bedford Stuyvesant Legal Services | Bedford Stuyvesant Legal Services Address: 1360 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY 11216 Phone: 718-636-1155 | |
| 5 | Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation | Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation Address: 260 Broadway Brooklyn, NY 11211 Phone: 718-487-2322 | |
| 6 | LSNY Brooklyn | Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation AddLSNY Brooklyn Address: 180 Livingston Street Brooklyn, New York 11201 Phone: 718-852-8888 | |
| 7 | Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizen’s Council | Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizen’s Council Address: 217 Wyckoff Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11237 Phone: 718-366-3800 |
Queens Rent Assistance Programs
This list contains non-profit organizations that may be able to provide you with financial support for paying rent. You are welcome to contact them to ask about the application process and financial aid they may offer.
| Name of Authority | Contact address | What it offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queens Community House, INC. | Queens Community House, INC. Main Address: Forest Hills Community Center, 108-25 62nd Drive Forest Hills, New York 11375 Phone: 718-592-5757 secondary Address : 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Flushing,11367 Phone: (718) 591-6060 |
providing its services to older people; however, they also provide practical help with problems related to rent payments. The agency’s counselors specialize in helping seniors apply for SCRIE, as well as other housing assistance. |
| 2 | Queens Legal Services Corp-Housing Unit | Queens Legal Services Corp-Housing Unit Address: Long Island City Office, 42-15 Crescent Street Long Island City, New York 11101 Phone: 718-392-5646 Secondary Address: South Jamaica Office, 89-00 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435 Phone: (718) 657-8611 |
receive free or low-cost legal representation. The programs target low-income, immigrant, and working poor throughout Queens County, and their fields of work are landlord-tenant issues, housing, government benefits, and rental assistance. |
| 3 | Neighborhood Housing Services Of Northern Queens | Neighborhood Housing Services Of Northern Queens Address: 60-20 Woodside Ave Woodside, NY 11377 Phone: (718) 457-1017 | The organization offers services including home buying advice, mortgage assistance, and programs to help residents buy and keep a home. |
| 4 | Northwest Queens Housing Corp. | Northwest Queens Housing Corp. Address: 31-14 30th Ave, 2nd Floor Astoria, New York 11102 Phone: (718) 728-6886 | Various rental and housing assistance programs are offered by this organization. Local families can get help with housing problems (such as eviction prevention and rental assistance) and assistance applying for other social services and government programs. |
| 5 | Woodside On The Move | Woodside On The Move Address: 39-42 59th St., 2nd Floor Queens, New York 11102 Phone: (718) 476-8449 | Tenants and landlords can receive assistance, as well as financial advice. |
| 6 | Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corp. | Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corp. Address: 68-56 Forest Ave Ridgewood, NY 11385 Phone: (718) 366-8721 | Counseling for homeowners and tenants is available, as are low-interest loans and grants. |
| 7 | Astoria Restoration Association, Inc. | Astoria Restoration Association, Inc. Address: 31-28 Ditmars Blvd Astoria, NY 11105 Phone: (718) 726-0034 | Additionally, they provide referrals to charities and government programs as well as rental assistance and emergency financial assistance. Low-income residents will receive a substantial amount of emergency financial assistance from them. |
| 8 | Margert Community Corporation | Margert Community Corporation Address: 325 Beach 37th Street Far Rockaway, New York 11691 Phone: 718-471-3724 | |
| 9 | Queens Community House – QCH | Queens Community House Main Address: 165-08 88th Avenue Jamaica, New York 11432 Phone: 718-883-8310 Secondary Address: 108-25 62nd Drive Forest Hills, NY 11375 Phone: 718-592-5757 |
The agency offers a variety of rental assistance programs, homeless prevention programs, and legal support programs to prevent evictions. It also provides assistance to immigrants and the elderly. |
| 10 | Coalition for the Homeless | Coalition for the Homeless Address: 129 Fulton Street New York, NY Phone: (212) 964-5900 | |
| 11 | New York City Housing Authority | New York City Housing Authority Address: 90-27 Sutphin Boulevard, 4th Floor Jamaica, New York 11435 Phone: 718-707-777 |
Salvation army Queens
Queens is home to several offices of this charity organization. Many social service programs are available there, including short-term assistance with rent or electric bills. Advice and information are available to people of all backgrounds, cultures, and income levels. The Low-Income Housing Assistance Program (LIHP) can provide emergency funds for rent, deposits, and other housing expenses for low-income, Rental assistance to disabled, and senior citizens. A number of homeless shelters also exist. Branch locations are as follows:
| Name of Authority | Contact address | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queens Temple Salvation Army | Queens Temple Salvation Army, 86-07 35th Ave. 11372, phone: 718-335-3693 |
| 2 | Ridgewood Citadel Salvation Army | Ridgewood Citadel Salvation Army, 69-23 Cypress Hills St. 11385, phone: 718-497-4356 |
| 3 | Jamaica Citadel Salvation Army | Jamaica Citadel Salvation Army, 90-23 161st St. 11432, Phone: 718-297-4860 |
| 4 | Borden Salvation Army | Borden Salvation Army, Avenue 21-10 Borden Ave, Long Island City, NY – 11101, Phone: 718-784-5690 |
| 5 | Flushing Salvation Army | Flushing Salvation Army, 142-50 32nd Ave. 11354, phone: 718-762-9613 |
| 6 | Astoria Salvation Army | Astoria Salvation Army, 45-18 Broadway 11103, phone: 718-721-9046 |
Manhattan Rent Assistance Programs
You will find here a listing of rental and housing assistance programs in Manhattan, as well as eviction prevention programs. People can access subsidy programs, get free legal advice on eviction prevention from others, and learn about state and federal programs from others.
| Name of Authority | Contact address | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Harlem Neighborhood Based Alliance | East Harlem Neighborhood Based Alliance |
| 2 | Eviction Intervention Services | Eviction Intervention Services Address: 150 E. 62nd Street New York, New York 10021 Phone: 212-308-2210 |
| 3 | Legal Aid Society (Harlem/CLO) | Legal Aid Society (Harlem/CLO) Address: 230 E. 106th Street New York, NY 10029 Phone: 212-426-3000 |
| 4 | Legal Aid Society (Manhattan Court House) | Legal Aid Society (Manhattan Court House) Address: 111 Center St. New York, NY 10013 Phone: 212-766-2450 |
| 5 | Legal Aid Society (Lower Manhattan) | Legal Aid Society (Lower Manhattan) Address: 199 Water St. New York, New York 10038 Phone: 212-440-4300 |
| 6 | Astoria Salvation Army | Harlem Legal Services Address: 55 West 125th Street New York, NY 10027 Phone: 212-348-7449 |
| 7 | LSNY Manhattan | LSNY Manhattan Address: 90 John Street New York, NY 10038 Phone: 646-442-3100 |
| 8 | Northern Manhattan Improvement Corp. | Northern Manhattan Improvement Corp. Address: 76 Wadsworth Ave. New York, NY 10033 Phone: 212-822-8300 |
Staten Island Rent Assistance Programs
| Name of Authority | Contact address | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Legal Aid Society (Staten Island) | Legal Aid Society (Staten Island) Address: 60 Bay Street Staten Island, NY 10301 Phone: 718-273-6677 |
| 2 | Northfield Community LDC of Staten Island | Northfield Community LDC of Staten Island Address: 160 Heberton Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10302. Phone: (718) 442-7351 for information |
| 3 | Staten Island Housing Authority | Staten Island Housing Authority Address: 140 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, New York 10301 Phone: (718) 447-1179 |
Staten Island Salvation Army Community Centers
There are two Salvation Army offices on Staten Island, where they provide a range of social services and programs related to housing, rent, utility bills, food, and more. Obtaining financial assistance is difficult, but people facing homelessness, low-income families, and struggling renters can do so when funding permits. Salvation Army of Port Richmond Corps has two locations in the area, at 1295 Forest Avenue in Staten Island, New York. You can reach them at (718) 442-2145; and the Stapleton Corps Community Center is at 15 Broad Street, Staten Island, NY 10304, and their phone number is (718) 448-8480
Available Assistance for the homeless in New York
Coalition for the Homeless, which serves New York City’s homeless population, can assist families who have been evicted. Among its services are emergency shelters, transitional housing, and more. A main objective of the program is to provide individuals with housing and help them become self-sufficient. Grants for rent may also be available if people are facing eviction, although more limited. A main source of help for the agency is the RAP, or rental assistance program. An applicant who works but is still homeless can apply for cash assistance or perhaps a loan from the Coalition, which they can use to cover security deposits or rent expenses.
In addition, they offer job training and employment services, an area where they place a lot of emphasis. Finally, the Coalition is able to provide basic necessities like food and clothing. However, they have one goal in mind: They want to help New York City’s residents in need find a new permanent home or apartment. Furthermore, once a new home is found for the applicant, the staff will ensure they can pay their rent. As such, the center offers a wide range of housing options.
Volunteers of America-New York
The organization is one of the leading non-profits for recently evicted and homeless people in the city and the nation. Numerous housing programs are offered by the agency, its staff, and its partners for people of all ages, races, and religions. Emergency shelters and transitional housing programs are provided by the local organization VOA. Providing assistance with finding a new home in the region of New York City and pointing individuals to rental assistance programs is another service they provide. A number of the main targets are veterans, domestic violence victims and the elderly. Those in need can turn to them for help.
Other rental assistance Programs in USA
- Florida Emergency Rental assistance Help paying rent in Florida
- New Jersey Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
- Charlotte Mecklenburg County Rental Assistance Programs
- Los Angeles California Emergency Rental Assistance Programs Low Income
- Massachusetts Emergency Rental Assistance Help paying rent
- Texas Emergency rental assistance
- California Emergency Rental assistance Help paying rent
- Pennsylvania Emergency Rental Assistance Program Low Income
- Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program Low Income Family
- Atlanta Emergency Rent Assistance Programs Low Income
- Louisiana Emergency Rent Assistance Programs that Stop Eviction
- Indiana Rent assistance Programs That Help with Rent
