NJ tenants struggling to keep up with rent during the COVID-19 pandemic could soon receive emergency rental assistance from a new $100 million fund.
The COVID-19 Short-Term Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP)will provide rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income as a result of the pandemic, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The enrollment period is 9 a.m. Monday, July 6, through 5 p.m. Friday, July 10. .
The Dept. of Community Affairs advises that completion of this pre-application does not guarantee placement in the COVID-19 ERAP.
The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide temporary rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income or became unemployed due the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants may be eligible for a maximum of up to six months of emergency rental assistance. The assistance will be capped at DCA’s fair market rent standard or the total of the rent, whichever is lesser. All participants will be reviewed at the three-month interval to see if they are still in need of assistance. Persons applying must meet all applicable CVERAP income and eligibility requirements. You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to apply or be an emancipated minor. Only one (1) pre-application per household will be accepted. All participants will be selected through an online lottery process.
The program will begin paying rental assistance in September. To learn more, visit the DCA’s website for details and eligibility guidelines.