Middlesex Co. Opens Online Application For Rental Assistance

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Middlesex County is now accepting applications for financial aid from residents that are behind on rent or utility payments, due to COVID-19.

Under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MCERAP) the county will be helping residents pay their rent and utility.

Families that need assistance can submit their application and required documentation via an online application portal beginning Monday.

“The pandemic has highlighted how important it is to pull together as a community during times of crisis. Sometimes that means offering help and sometimes that means accepting help, said County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.

Rios encourage renter households who are behind on rent or utilities, and who meet the eligibility guidelines, to apply for the program.

Funding will be distributed on a priority basis, directly to landlords and utility companies.

“The Middlesex County Emergency Rental Assistance Program will help ensure eligible renter households have a roof over their head and continued access to essential utilities during these challenging times,” said County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber.

To apply for assistance, residents need to meet the following criteria:

• Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19
• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, mainly documented by having an outstanding rental balance and/or eviction filing
• Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income* (Please note: Eligible households that include an individual who has been unemployed for the 90 days prior to applying for assistance, and households with income at or below 50 percent of the area median, will be prioritized for assistance.)

Information and a link to the application portal can be found here: middlesexcountynj.gov/rentalassistance.