Legal Lessons: March Advocacy Tips and Important Deadlines
March 23, 2022New protections against surprise or out-of-network medical bills.
March 23, 2022Update! New York State’s Eviction Moratorium ended on January 15, 2022. Although some towns have spent their allocated ERAP funds, residents in all towns can still apply for ERAP through the OTDA portal. Although the application may not be approved due to lack of funds, any eviction proceeding should be stayed if there is a pending ERAP application until there is a final decision including going through any appeals process. Town of Islip, Hempstead, and Oyster Bay have a separate portal where residents can apply, however, the Town of Hempstead’s program is currently closed. The Town of Oyster Bay ERAP program reopened for Round 4 of funding on February 15, 2022 and will accept applications until 5pm on May 13th, 2022. Households in any part of the state with income over 80 percent and up to 120 percent of area median income can still apply for state-funded emergency rental assistance to stay an eviction HOWEVER any applications submitted after February 14, 2022 will most likely be denied due to lack of adequate funding. Long Island residents with rental and utility arrears should apply now for assistance before the funds run out. If you receive a decision on your ERAP application that you disagree with, make sure to appeal within thirty (30) days by calling 844-691-7368 or filling out the OTDA online application form. To apply and determine eligibility, visit the OTDA website.
Residents of Hempstead
ERAP PROGRAM CURRENTLY CLOSED. For more information, visit Town of Hempstead Emergency Rental Assistance Program or call (844) 260-7536 or email hempsteaderap@lihp.org.
Residents of Islip
Apply through Town of Islip: Community Development Agency (islipcda.org). Questions? Call (631) 647-5683 or email erap@islipcda.org
Residents of Oyster Bay
Apply through Town of Oyster Bay Emergency Rental Assistance Program (lihp.org). Questions? Call (844) 260-7541 or email oysterbayerap@lihp.org. Program open until 5pm on May 13, 2022.
Other Long Islander Towns
Apply through the New York State website: Emergency Rental Assistance Program OTDA (ny.gov).
Nassau Suffolk Law Services, in partnership with Empire Justice Center, can now assist Nassau and Suffolk residential tenants with housing-related legal problems (like eviction) and a household income of up to 80% of the Area Median Income. Services are available through this partnership regardless of immigration status. Please call the office closest to you to see if you are eligible for legal services. Interpreters are available. Suffolk residents west of 112 can call 631-232-2400 and east of 112 can call 631-369-1112. Nassau residents can call 516-292-8100. Feel free to share our flyer in both English and Spanish.
