New Yorkers Struggling To Pay Rent May Be Eligible For One-Time Subsidies

New York State residents with a household income below 80 percent of the area median income may be eligible for rent relief under the federal CARES Act and the New York State COVID Rent Relief Extension Program — and the February 1 deadline to apply is fast approaching.

The one-time rental subsidy is sent directly to the home’s landlord, and the assistance never needs to be repaid.

Applicants must be renters with a primary residence in New York State, must have lost income between April 1 and July 31, 2020, and must have been “rent-burdened” during that period, meaning their rent was more than 30 percent of their monthly income. Applicants do not need to be behind on rent to qualify.

The subsidy will cover the difference between a household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020, and during the months of April, May, June and July.

Applicants must have had a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income both before March 7, 2020, and at the time they apply. The income cap for Suffolk County residents is $65,050 for a single person, $74,350 for a couple and $92,900 for a family of four.

“Too many New Yorkers are still struggling to pay their rent due to lost income caused by the COVID-19 pandemic — we must ensure that folks understand and can access the resources available to help,” U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said in a statement. “I urge all eligible New Yorkers to apply for rental relief through the COVID Rent Relief program before the February 1 deadline. To beat the economic and public health crisis caused by the pandemic, we must ensure every New Yorker has a stable roof over their head, and a safe place to call home.”

Those who applied previously but were rejected do not need to reapply to be considered again. Previously rejected applications will be reconsidered under the latest criteria.

This is not a first-come, first-served program. Applicants with the “greatest economic and social need” will be prioritized, according to New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

Learn more and apply at hcr.ny.gov/rrp. For help applying, contact that COVID Rent Relief Extension Program Call Center at 1-833-499-0318 or covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov.