ALBANY COUNTY — Albany County residents who pay rent may be eligible for financial aid through the federally-funded Emergency Renters Assistance Program. 

The program is designed to help those who have been affected by COVID-19, which has cost many their livelihoods, or at least a significant portion of their earnings, whether from business shutdowns or personal health complications. 

The federal government is currently protecting some renters from evictions, and New York State has extended its eviction moratorium through Aug. 31.

But, while the moratorium may keep people off the street, it does not negate the expense, and some residents will be faced with thousands of dollars in back-rent or utility costs, known as arrears, that they’re unprepared to tackle. 

“ERAP is a federally funded program which provides up to 12 months of rent and utility arrears due to a hardship caused by COVID — occurring from March 2020 forward,” Albany County Department of Social Services Deputy Commissioner Michele McClave told The Enterprise this week. “Income eligibility is up to 80 percent of Area Median Income.”

Area Median Income amounts and the percentage limits are laid out in a table on the DSS website according to household size; for a household of one, the income limit is $53,550, and it increases by $7,650 for each additional household member. 

“Up to three months of additional rent assistance for future rent may also be paid for eligible households,” McClave said. “Residents who are behind in their rent due to a COVID-related reduction in income or hardship should submit an application on-line at: https://nysrenthelp.otda.ny.gov/en/”

To apply, residents will need: a personal ID, Social Security numbers for all members of their household, proof of rent amount, proof of residency and occupancy, proof of income, and a copy of relevant utilities bills. 

Landlords will need to verify the amounts owed, McClave said.

McClave said that, within Albany County, there are 31,000 rental households under the income limit, and that between the Hilltowns and Altamont, 20 applications have been received so far. 

“Rural renters may not be aware that, while ERAP does not pay for mortgage arrears, it will pay for a household that rents a house,” McClave said. “DSS is conducting outreach throughout Albany County to reach those who may not be aware of ERAP or who may need assistance using the portal to apply for the benefits.”

The county has $16 million to provide in renters assistance so far, McClave said, but with $2.7 billion available statewide, the county “can access additional funding, if available, once the $16 million is expended.”