Governor Andrew Cuomo Annouces COVID-19 Rent Relief Program

Governor Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that no New Yorker would be thrown out in the streets because of the pandemic. Cuomo announced the rental assistance program that will help low-income families. The program will give families and individuals affected by coronavirus direct aid. The rental assistance is a part of the CARES Act and is administered by State Homes and Community Renewal.

If you are looking to access the program you can click here

Households that qualify for the one-time payment to the landlord or housing provider will not be required to pay it back.

In order to be eligible you must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a renter with a primary residence in New York State.
• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income (including unemployment benefits) must be below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. Applicants can find the Area Median Income for their county, based on household size, on HCR’s website here.
• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been “rent burdened,” which is defined as paying more than 30 percent of gross monthly income towards rent.
• Applicants must have lost income during any period between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020.
• The application period will be open for two weeks. Residents can apply any time during the two-week period.

If you need more information click COVID Rent Relief Program