Dear New Yorkers, 

New York State has reopened its Rent Relief Extension Program.  New applications are due by February 1, 2021, but you should apply as soon as possible.  
 
What is the COVID Rent Relief Extension Program?
 
The COVID Rent Relief Extension Program provides a one-time rent subsidy for eligible households.  The subsidy is sent directly to your landlord and you will not have to repay this assistance.  You must apply and meet certain criteria.  If you’ve previously applied for the subsidy, you do not need to apply again.  Prior applications will be re-evaluated and revised determination letters will be sent out.  Eligible households with the “greatest economic and social need” will be given top priority.  The subsidy will cover the difference between your rent obligations and 30% of your monthly income for the time between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020. 
 
Are you eligible? 
You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible:
·      You must be a renter and your primary residence must be in New York State. 
·      You must have lost income between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020.
·      Your income must have been at or below 80% of the median income in your area                                      (this amount is adjusted for household size).
·      You must have been “rent-burdened” during the period between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020.
·      You must not have previously received a Rent Relief Extension Program subsidy.
 
Lost Income
If you lost your job during these four months, you lost income.  You are also eligible if your work hours were reduced and your wages were reduced. 
What is 80% of the median income in my area? 
You can find your county’s area median income, based on household size
 If your income was less than or equal to the amounts listed for your county during April 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020 time period, you are eligible.
 
What does “rent-burdened” mean?
If your monthly rent is greater than 30% of your gross household income, you are rent-burdened.  The COVID Rent Relief Program will provide a subsidy for the amount of rent above that 30% of your gross household income for the designated four-month period. 
Rent burden is the amount of monthly contractual rent that exceeds 30% of gross household income. 
 
Do You Have Specific Questions?
New York State has created a special call center to deal with questions about this program.  The number to the COVID Rent Relief Program Call Center is 1-833-499-0318.  You can also email at covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov.  The call center is open Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.  The call center will be closed on December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st.  You can also check the website’s Frequently Asked Questions.

If you do not get an answer to your question or need additional assistance, please contact UNITED SIKHS at contact@unitedsikhs.org