The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP) provides temporary assistance to renting households with low to moderate incomes. After the applications are approved and landlords provide the required documentation, the funds will be sent directly to those landlords.

How to Qualify


Who is eligible?
1. Renters who have qualified for unemployment benefits, have reduced income, have incurred significant cost, or have experienced financial hardship directly or indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Renters whose income does not exceed 80% of the area median
3. Renters who are at risk of homelessness or are experiencing housing instability
4. Renters who rent a unit in New Jersey
5. Renters who are 18 or older (exception: emancipated minors) who are residents of New Jersey

Renters may be eligible for a maximum of 12 months of past due and future rent. Renters already receiving a subsidy or living in public housing may not receive assistance from this program that duplicates any other programs.

How do I apply?
1.Get on the waiting list by submitting a pre-application. Click here.
2. Complete the application.
3. Submit the necessary documents (tenants and landlords).

Once your pre-application has been selected, you will need to provide the following documentation:
Tenants
1. Verification of identity (a minimum of one for each member of the household)

  • Driver’s license

  • Passport

  • Birth certificate


2. Evidence of rental status (submit one)

  • Lease or rental agreement

  • Utility bills verifying residence, written statement from landlord verifying status as a renter


3. Verification of income (submit one)

  • 2020 tax return

  • 2020 W-2

  • 2020 1099 form

OR monthly income

  • Pay stub dated within the last 30 days (must show full month of consecutive employment)

  • Social Security letter showing 2021 benefits

  • Unemployment benefits confirmation dated within last two months

  • Report of child support payments received from New Jersey Department of Human Services dated within last two months


4. Proof of past due rent

  • Past due notice from landlord

  • Eviction notice

  • Summons and complaint issued to renter and dated within the last 30 days


5.Proof of reduced income

  • Layoff letter from employer

  • Employer letter stating reduction of wages, furlough, or termination

  • Unemployment benefits letter dated after March 13, 2020

  • Healthcare provider workers stating renter was unable to work due to illness


OR proof of significant cost (must be over $50)

  • Negative healthcare impact (medical bills, receipts)

  • Cost of home care for household member or members ill with COVID-19

  • Expenses incurred because of quarantine and social distancing (internet service, computer equipment)

  • Expenses incurred for remote learning

  • Funeral costs for family member/members who died of COVID-19

  • Childcare expenses incurred because of school closures

  • Late fees, penalties, and legal costs incurred as a result of past due rent

  • Transportation costs incurred because of inability to use public transit


6. Proof of risk of homelessness (submit one)

  • Past due rent or utility notice dated after March 2020

  • Eviction notice

  • Unsafe or unhealthy living conditions (overcrowding)

  • Increased housing costs making it difficult to afford rent (increased utility bills)

  • Informal rent arrangements (living without formal lease agreement)

  • Evidence of exposure to domestic violence, sexual abuse, or stalking by partner (police reports, restraining orders)

  • Evidence household is not paying for essentials in order to pay rent (prescription drugs, food, childcare, transportation)

  • Evidence household is using credit cards, payday loans, or other high debt lenders to pay rent or utilities

Landlord documentation
1. Name, address, Social Security number or tax ID
2. W-9
3. Proof of ownership (deed, tax bill, insurance policy)
4. Property management agreement authorizing payments to be made to property manager on behalf of owner

FAQ


How long does the assistance last?
Renter can receive up to 12 months of funding for past due rent with an additional three months of future rent through December 2021 as long as funds are available. Rent is capped as 125% of Fair Market Rent for the area.

Can I still get assistance if I move out of the property?
No.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible?
No. Legal immigration status is not a requirement of the program.

Can I print out my application?
Yes, but applications are only accepted online.

Who do you call if you have questions?
Call 609-490-4550 for more information and assistance.

My children are eighteen and older and live with me. Do I have to include their income?
Yes, you must submit income information for all adult members of the household.

Who will get the money?
The funds will be sent directly to your landlord. It is a violation of the law for the landlord to refuse payments.

What happens if I’m homeless?
Please call NJ 211

Does the program pay for late fees?
No. Late fees are not covered.