Housing instability became widespread during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some pandemic relief programs have ended, but you can still apply for help from emergency rental assistance programs in New Jersey. Here’s what you need to know about emergency rental assistance in NJ that can keep you in your home.

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II (CVERAP Phase II)

The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II (CVERAP Phase II) provides funding for back rent and temporary rental support. This program is focused on helping households that have experienced income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents who meet certain criteria can also apply for protection from eviction through this program.

To qualify for this program, you must:

Prove significant loss of income or financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Show that you’re experiencing a threat of homelessness.

State Rental Assistance Program

New Jersey’s State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) supports very low-income families and individuals with housing subsidies. This program aims to provide residents with clean, safe, affordable housing and prevent homelessness.

To be eligible for SRAP in New Jersey, you must:

Be a New Jersey resident.
Earn less than the state-mandated income threshold.
Have at least one member of the household who is a child, disabled person, or senior citizen.

Emergency Assistance (EA) through WorkFirst NJ

WorkFirstNJ provides funds for back rent, temporary rental assistance, essential services, and utility bill payments through its emergency assistance program. To qualify for funds through this program applicants must be facing homelessness or be at risk of losing housing due to emergencies.

Assistance through this program is typically limited to 12 months but certain hardship circumstances could be considered for an extension of benefits. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet the program’s income requirements or be experiencing financial hardship due to an emergency, such as a fire or flood.

Middlesex County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Low- to moderate-income residents of Middlesex County may be eligible for emergency rental assistance if they were financially impacted by COVID-19. The program provides funds for back rent and overdue utilities, prioritizing residents under threat of eviction.

To qualify for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Prove financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Bergen County Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program

Bergen County offers qualified residents help with late and missed rent and utility payments. Applicants must prove hardship is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person application help is available by appointment if you have questions.

To qualify for this program, you need to:

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Show that you’ve experienced loss of wages since 3/13/2020.

Ocean County Emergency Rental Relief Program

Eligible Ocean County residents may qualify for help with rent and utility payments through emergency rental relief funding. This program provides funds for up to 6 months of back rent. Utilities and late fees do not qualify for this program but may be easier to pay once the stress of back rent is removed.

To qualify for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Show that you experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic.

Mercer County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Mercer County Board of Social Services and Mercer County Department of Human Services provide eligible residents with rental assistance and help with unpaid utility bills.

To qualify for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Show that you experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic.

Hudson County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Residents of Hudson County who live outside of Jersey City can apply for emergency assistance to pay for past-due rent. Jersey City has a separate administration for emergency rental assistance.

To qualify for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Show that you experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic.

City of Trenton Emergency Rental Assistance

Residents of Trenton may qualify for help with rent, utility, and mortgage payments through emergency assistance. Funds are first come, first served.

To qualify for this program, you must:

Earn 80% or less of the local median household income.
Show that you experienced financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the pandemic.

Getting Rental Assistance in New Jersey

For New Jersey residents facing housing insecurity, emergency assistance programs are critical. These programs help vulnerable renters avoid eviction and get back on track after the COVID-19 crisis. They also help the broader communities these renters are a part of by helping keep social ties strong as neighbors stay together. If you’re worried about paying your rent, try using the Affordable Housing Hub’s search tool to find emergency rental assistance options near you.