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State Offering Assistance in Paying Rent

Liberty, NY – Those renting their housing in Sullivan County and throughout New York State may have a portion of that rent covered in response to the impacts from coronavirus, under a new program announced by the State.

The NYS COVID Rent Relief Program will provide eligible households with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household’s landlord. Applicants will not need to repay this assistance. Applications will be accepted through July 31, 2020. The State will prioritize eligible households with greatest economic and social need, accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost and risk of homelessness.

The rental assistance payment will cover the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the increase in rent burden for the months the household is applying for assistance. Tenants can apply for up to four months in rental assistance.

Eligible households must meet the following criteria:

  • The housing unit must be the tenant’s primary home and located in New York State.
  • Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income must have been below 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size. In Sullivan County, the median income is:
    • One-person household: $42,300
    • Two-person household: $48,350
    • Three-person household: $54,400
    • Four-person household: $60,400
    • Five-person household: $65,250
    • Six-person household: $70,100
    • Seven-person household: $74,900
    • Eight-person household: $79,750
  • Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been paying more than 30% of gross monthly income towards rent. Gross income includes wages as well as any cash grants, child support, social security, unemployment benefits, etc.
  • Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.

(NOTE: If a tenant is receiving a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher for their housing costs or resides in public housing and their rent cannot be more than 30% of their income, they are not eligible.)

For more information and to apply, visit https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP.