Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the deadline for residents to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is Monday, September 27. The ERAP program will provide financial relief for Union County residents unable to meet their rental obligations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new Emergency Rental Assistance Program, eligible tenants can receive up to 15 months of assistance for unpaid back rent and utility bills.
Both landlords and tenants are required to register for this program in order to expedite the grant process. Landlords and tenants can register at ucnj.org/rental-assistance. The funds will be awarded to landlords and utility providers on behalf of tenants who are eligible for the grant.
“Hundreds of residents have applied for Union County Emergency Rental Assistance and we encourage renters within Union County experiencing difficulty paying their rent and utilities to register for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program before the upcoming deadline,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Communication between landlords and tenants regarding ERAP relief is key to ensuring applications can be reviewed without delay.”
The landlord and the tenant portals will both remain open throughout the application phase of the program which ends on September 27. Residents who may qualify are encouraged to visit the website for guidance on assembling the information and documents necessary to apply for funding.
To qualify for Union County Emergency Rental Assistance funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Union County resident primarily responsible for paying rent;
- Make less than 80% of the average median income of Union County (e.g., less than $78,500 for a family of four);
- Experienced a loss of income since March 13, 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic;
- Provide required supporting documentation (copies of identification, tax returns, lease or other proof of income/residence may be acceptable, etc.).
The application website for eligible residents, will contain information and list all documents needed to apply. Should applicants have any questions they can call the call center directly at 855-552-1172 or contact one of the three nonprofit agencies involved in assisting in completion of applications by calling:
- United Way of Union County – 908-353-7171
- Family Promise of Union County – 908-289-7300
- Urban League of Union County – 908-351-7200
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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