Stephen R. Hellman, Esq.
August 1, 2022
Update for Mortgage Modifications!
August 9, 2022OTDA is currently processing eligible ERAP applications submitted through June 30, 2022. Although some towns (such as Town of Brookhaven) 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. The Town of Hempstead’s ERAP program reopened on June 28th! The Town of Oyster Bay ERAP program is currently closed but those interested in applying can make a request to be notified by email when the program reopens. Applications from subsidized housing tenants whose rent is limited to a certain percentage of income (e.g. section 8) are not currently able to be paid. State law requires that these applications be paid after all other eligible applicants have been reviewed and paid. Therefore, at this time, none of the subsidized housing applications can be paid regardless of the date their application was submitted. 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 accepting applications through August 26th, 2022 at 5pm. 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
ERAP Program currently closed, however, those interested can request to be notified by email when the program reopens. For more information, visit Town of Oyster Bay Emergency Rental Assistance Program (lihp.org). Questions? Call (844) 260-7541 or email oysterbayerap@lihp.org.
Other Long Island Towns
Apply through the New York State website: Emergency Rental Assistance Program OTDA (ny.gov).
OTHER RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Suffolk and Nassau County DSS- The Department of Social Services has programs available to provide help with receiving shelter or rent arrears to prevent homelessness. Please visit WWW.MYBENEFITS.NY.GOV for further information or to apply.
Project Anchor- Homelessness Prevention Network-Suffolk County Only- Do you owe rent & are at risk of losing your housing? Do you think you may have to go to a shelter? Reach out before you are forced out of your home. Free Services include: Case Management/Advocacy; Benefits Counseling; Employment Services; Landlord/Tenant Mediation; Community Referrals; and Financial assistance with rental and utility arrears for those who qualify. Contact Project Anchor Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm at (631) 854-9984 or email projectanchor@helpusa.org.
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.
