BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State is extending its program to help renters pay their landlords.
The deadline to file applications for the COVID Rent Relief Program, has been extended by one week through Thursday, August 6th.
"By keeping the online portal open for another week, we can make sure everyone who needs to apply for assistance has the opportunity to do so," said RuthAnne Visnauskas, the Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner. "This program is intended to prioritize households across the State with the greatest economic and social need, accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost and risk of homelessness."
The rental assistance subsidy will cover the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the increase in rent burden for the period the household is applying for assistance.
Application approvals are not made on a first come, first serve basis; rather, they are assessed based on the applicant's need.
Eligible applicants must meet all of this criteria:
- Be a renter with a primary residence in New York State.
- Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income must be below 80% Area Median Income.
- Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household must pay more than 30% of gross monthly income for rent.
- Applicants have less monthly income in any month between April 2020 and July 2020 than they did prior to March 1, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
