Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) updates

Town of Oyster Bay Residents

Town of Oyster Bay residents who have experienced a financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic can now submit an intake form to request rental payment assistance. Intake Forms will be accepted up until 5pm on October 28, 2021. Don't wait! Apply now before funds run out.

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New ERAP Monies Available

New York State has allotted $125 million for rental payments to tenants with income between 80-120% of the Average Median Income (AMI) who are suffering financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Priority will be given to households within 80-100% AMI. Apply now before the funds runs out!

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INCREASED PUBLIC BENEFITS AVAILABLE

HEAP SEASON IS OPEN as of October 1, 2021. The standard allowance for heating/cooling SNAP recipients and eligible households has increased to $792 for Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Electricity utility costs not for heat/cooling has been adjusted from $292 to $336. The standard allowance for telephone costs is $31 for eligible SNAP recipients. For more information visit your local Department of Social Services or visit New York State's HEAP website.

Apply for the FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit Program!

The FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. To apply, go to the FCC's website.

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Boost Nassau Household Assistance Program Grants Available

Households with Adjusted Gross Incomes under $500,000 in 2020 may be eligible to apply for a one-time grant of $375 to assist in financial recovery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Households currently receiving Enhanced STAR for Seniors, Disability and Limited Income Exemptions, and Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemptions will automatically be mailed a direct payment. To find out more or to apply go to Nassau County's website here.

Volunteers Needed!

Compassionate attorneys and other volunteers are needed to assist people with limited resources who are facing legal challenges on their own.

For more information about becoming a Pro Bono Attorney or NSLS Volunteer, please contact:

Carolyn McQuade in Suffolk County: (631) 232-2400, ext. 3325, cmcquade@nsls.legal
Susan Biller in Nassau County: (516) 292-8100, ext. 3136, sbiller@nsls.legal

To help people facing eviction, please contact:

Roberta Scoll in Nassau County: (516) 292-8100, ext. 3115, rscoll@nsls.legal

Interested volunteers can also check out our website for more information.

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