News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director | Sara Sooy, Commissioner Deputy Director
Melonie Marano, Commissioner | Paul Drake, Commissioner | Doug Singleterry, Commissioner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2021
Rental Relief Funds Available for Eligible Somerset County Residents
Struggling Families Are Encouraged to Apply for Funds
SOMERVILLE, NJ – Renter relief funds from the Emergency Rental Relief Program (ERRP) are still available for eligible Somerset County families who are having trouble paying their rent because of a COVID-related loss of income.
“The economic impact of COVID has been devastating for many families whose basic need for shelter has been threatened,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul Drake. “These funds are critical for those who are struggling. Not only is it helping to combat COVID-related homelessness, but it is also helping to stabilize the economy by supporting our landlords.”
Recently, ERRP income limits and the amount of funds were increased for eligible families from the lesser of three months or $3,000 to the lesser of six months or $6,000. The income limits were increased by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as the result of a general increase in the area’s median income.
Somerset County is currently using federal CARES Act funding for the ERRP to help eligible families who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic with their monthly rent payments. The ERRP funds will be paid directly to landlords.
The program is funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation of $646,398 from the March 2020 Federal CARES Act for the majority of Somerset County, with separate CDBG funding allocated to Franklin Township. As a result, Franklin Township residents are not eligible for ERRP assistance.
Applicants who are eligible for funding to help offset their owed rent will have their aide amount paid directly to landlords through a partnership with Somerset County Social Services.
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Be a resident of any Somerset County municipality (except Franklin Township) and have a current lease or rent agreement.
- Have a household income that is less than the following income limits, which is based on household size including children:
1 Person – $69,000 2 People – $78,900
3 People – $88,700 4 People – $98,600
5 People – $106,500 6 People – $114,400
- Be able to demonstrate that they are behind in rent payments.
- Provide documentation of a COVID-related loss of income. Examples include:
- Layoff or reduced work hours;
- Unpaid leave to take care of children due to school and daycare closure;
- Self-quarantine for 14 days resulting in a loss of income;
- Another consequence of the virus led to a reduction of income.
To receive assistance, applicants must complete an application and submit the required documentation. For residents’ convenience, there are three ways to apply.
- Complete and submit the application and required documentation online at http://bit.ly/CDBGApplication2021
- Print an application from that link and submit the printed copy via email to commdevel@co.somerset.nj.us;
- Request and submit a paper copy by calling the Community Development Office at 908-541-5756 or send an email to commdevel@co.somerset.nj.us.
- For residents without Internet access, paper copies can be mailed to the Community Development Office, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876.
To learn more about the Somerset County Community Development Office, visit http://bit.ly/ComDev2021.
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