Mercer County Extends Deadline For Rental Assistance Application

EAST WINDSOR, NJ — Renters in Mercer County who continue to be impacted by COVID-19, now have until April 5 to apply for rental assistance.

County Executive Brian M. Hughes on Wednesday said renters now have extra time to apply for financial assistance to pay rent and utility bills.

The program is made available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) launched by the Mercer County Department of Human Services Office on Homeless Services, in partnership with the Mercer County Board of Social Services.

In December, the program received nearly $11 million in grant from the federal stimulus package.

The program is opened to Mercer County residents only.

Here’s the eligibility criteria for individuals:

• Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship due to Covid-19
• Is at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, for example, has a past-due utility or rent notice, or an eviction notice
• Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income

Applicants will be screened and certified through the Board of Social Services. Mercer County will work with its community partners to ensure eligible community members, particularly those facing eviction, get access to the resources to keep families from becoming homeless.

Click here to apply for assistance.

For more information, contact the Mercer County Board of Social Services at 609-389-3575, or email erap@mcboss.org.

Social workers from the Board are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mercer County landlords are encouraged to have their tenants apply for the program if they need assistance.

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