Senator Gallivan Announces Tenants Can Apply for Pandemic Related Help

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C-I, Elma) says New York State has opened its rental assistance program to help tenants who have struggled to make payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing  landlords to recover billions of dollars in overdue rent.  The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide economic relief to eligible residents, including those who experienced a reduction in income or financial hardship due to the pandemic.

“Thousands of tenants have been unable to pay their rent because of financial setbacks related to the pandemic and that has had a ripple effect on building owners who have struggled to pay their mortgages and property taxes,” Senator Gallivan said.  “I encourage eligible residents to apply for this emergency assistance designed to help families and small businesses."

Senator Gallivan sent a letter to the governor earlier this year, noting the financial hardships faced by tenants and property owners and calling on him to distribute the funds as soon as possible.

Funded largely through federal relief aid and run by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the $2.7 billion New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide assistance with up to 12 months of past-due rent, three months of prospective rental assistance and 12 months of utility arrears payments to eligible New Yorkers.  Payments will be made directly to the landlord or property owners and utility company on behalf of the tenant.

During the first 30 days, the unemployed, those with income at or below 50 percent of area median income and other vulnerable populations will be prioritized. After the first 30 days, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds remain available.

For more information, applicants and landlords should visit the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.