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Bergen County Emergency Rental Assistance Program Now Open

Posted on: June 14, 2021 - 4:03pm
Bergen County NJ

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco announces that the County of Bergen’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) portal is officially open to receive tenant applications. The ERAP program provides financial relief for Bergen County residents unable to meet their rental obligation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible ERAP applicants can apply for up to 12 months of assistance to cover unpaid back rent and 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.

Tenants and landlords must visit www.BergenCountyCARES.org to apply for the program. The window to apply will remain open from June 14 through July 23 and is based on available funding.

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 approved 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. For more information, please visit www.BergenCountyCARES.org.