Bergen County Emergency Rental Assistance Program Underway

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The application portal for Bergen County's new rental assistance program is officially open, County Executive Jim Tedesco announced. Eligible residents will have from today, June 14, until July 23 to apply.

The county is launching the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to "provide financial relief for Bergen County residents unable to meet their rental obligation during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Eligible ERAP applicants will receive up to 12 months of assistance for unpaid back rent, as well as gas and electric utility expenses payable for amounts past due as of March 13, 2020. Amounts approved for funding will be paid directly to the landlords and utility provider, county officials said.

The application portal for the Bergen County CARES Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was available for landlord pre-registration starting on Monday, June 7, and is now open to all eligible tenants via www.BergenCountyCARES.org.

"We understand the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many Bergen County tenants to experience financial hardship and struggle to pay their rent on a timely basis," said Tedesco.

"The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides meaningful funding to help tenants and landlords overcome these challenges. We encourage those in need to apply for this assistance to cover past due rent and utility bills."

"Residents in every corner of Bergen County were financially impacted by the pandemic," said Commissioner Chair Steve Tanelli.

"The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will not only provide relief to residents fearful of losing their home, but will ensure our communities have the financial resources to thrive once the pandemic is over."

To qualify for Bergen County CARES ERAP funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Bergen County resident primarily responsible for paying rent;

• Make less than 80% of the average median income of Bergen 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 state-issued ID, tax returns, lease or other proof of income/residence may be acceptable, etc.)

In order to be eligible for the program, tenants must provide complete responses to the grant program application portal found at www.BergenCountyCARES.org. Once submitted, applicants will be notified of the funding decision and, if approved, the funds will be provided to the landlord or utility provider on their behalf.

The Bergen County CARES Emergency Rental Assistance Program is funded through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program Federal relief fund. More information is available at this link.

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