by Nikki Lucas
New York State Homes and Community Renewal recently announced the deadline to file applications for the COVID Rent Relief Program has been extended by one week through Thursday, August 6th. Applications are available on HCR’s website.
COVID Rent Relief Program applications can also be filled out and submitted online in Spanish. Translated applications are available to download and submit via mail in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian-Creole, Korean, and Bengali. Mailed applications must be postmarked by August 6, 2020.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The Legislature designed the COVID Rent Relief Program to help New Yorkers who are the most at-risk and rent burdened after losing income due to the pandemic. By keeping the online portal open for another week, we can make sure everyone who needs to apply for assistance has the opportunity to do so. This program is intended to prioritize households across the State with the greatest economic and social need, accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost and risk of homelessness. HCR will not make any determinations on a first come, first served basis.”
In addition to the program application, HCR’s website – hcr.ny.gov/RRP – also contains contact information for the Rent Relief Program Call Center, a list of Frequently Asked Questions, and additional resources for residents. The website also provides the application, FAQs and other documents in six different languages to ensure New Yorkers with limited English proficiency have proper access to the application and program tools.
HCR has created a dedicated call center to provide residents, including those with limited English proficiency, with help Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Call the COVID Rent Relief Program Call Center at 1-833-499-0318 or email at covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov.
There is also a list of community-based organizations in each region of the State who are available to assist non-English-speaking residents with their application. The New York State Office for New Americans can also offer assistance.
Residents may also authorize a caseworker, attorney or other personal representative to apply for the COVID Rent Relief Program on their behalf. The Authorized Representative Release Form is available and can be downloaded from the Rent Relief Program website. https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP#application
Watch this Information Session Video with attorney Ed King on what to do as a landlord or tenant when it comes to evictions.
Leave a Reply