If you’re experiencing housing instability in New York State, there are options available to you. New York has several affordable housing programs and emergency rental assistance initiatives that can provide immediate aid to those in need.

New York’s emergency rental assistance programs are designed to offer short-term financial assistance to individuals and families struggling to find or keep housing. The amount and type of emergency rental assistance for which you could be eligible varies depending on factors like the city in which you live and the specific program through which you are seeking aid. Most programs prioritize the elderly, people with disabilities, needy families with children, and anyone facing dire, immediate crises.

Is the New York Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Still Accepting Applications?

As of January 20, 2023, New York State is no longer accepting new applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). This program previously offered relief to low and moderate-income households at risk of homelessness.

Although New York is no longer accepting new ERAP applications, your application might still be in progress. If you submitted an application before the deadline and are still waiting to hear back, you should contact the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) using the contact information listed for your county. You can also find information about where to go for emergency rental assistance in Rochester, NY, and other areas of New York State that are ineligible for ERAP benefits.

Where Can I Get Emergency Rental Assistance in New York in 2024?

If you did not submit an ERAP application before the deadline and you need emergency rental assistance now, you can find resources through your local department of social services. New York’s Department of Social Services (DSS) includes the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and the Human Resources Administration (HRA), which collectively work to connect individuals with relevant rental assistance programs.

New York State Rental Assistance Programs

If you are in need of emergency rental assistance in New York, there are several programs that may be available to you.

Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS)

The Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS) is intended for families with children who receive cash assistance under the Temporary Aid to Needy Families program (TANF) and are facing eviction or have been evicted. It also supports families who have lost their housing due to domestic violence or health and safety issues.

To be eligible for FHEPS, your household must be receiving cash assistance and include at least one child under 18, a child who is 18 years old and attending school full-time, or a pregnant individual. FHEPS may also be able to supplement your rent to help you secure and maintain stable housing.

CityFHEPS

CityFHEPS is another program administered by New York’s Department of Social Services. It consolidates the previous LINC, SEPS, and CITYFEPS rental assistance initiatives into a single, streamlined emergency rental assistance program. The new program is designed to make rent payments more manageable so that individuals and families can achieve and maintain housing stability.

To qualify for CityFHEPS, your household must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, as well as meet certain additional criteria, such as facing eviction in court or including a member at risk of homelessness who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Special One-Time Assistance (SOTA)

New York’s Special One-Time Assistance (SOTA) program offers a unique solution for eligible Department of Homeless Services clients that pays one year of rent for single adults or households that have spent significant time living in a shelter, helping them to move into more stable housing.

SOTA is available to families with children who have spent at least 90 days in a shelter, or to single adults or adult families who have spent at least 90 of the past 365 days in a shelter. The rent must not exceed 40% of the household’s total current or projected income.

To be eligible, the DSS must determine that your household is likely to be able to continue to pay its rent with recurring income from employment or other, long-term benefits after the SOTA benefits have ended.

More Information About Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in NY State

If you live in New York State and you are facing eviction or need immediate rental assistance, it's important to act quickly. Have all necessary documentation ready when contacting a rental assistance agency. You should also make sure you know your rights as a tenant in New York State. New York tenants facing eviction in Housing Court may be eligible for free legal services.

If you have more questions about emergency rental assistance, our other rental assistance resources might have the answers you’re looking for.