Schenectady County is hosting 2 events for landlords and tenants who need assistance applying for New York State’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) online portal.
Emergency rental assistance is available through ERAP to assist households behind on their rent that have experienced financial hardship, that are at risk of homelessness or housing instability and that earn at or below 80 percent of area median income (AMI).
“We’re finding that the application process goes more smoothly if tenants and landlords apply at the same time, so we created these events to make it easier for that to happen,” said Schenectady County Legislator Sara Mae Pratt, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Health & Human Services. “Staff will help both parties sort through the necessary documentation and also apply through the online portal. This should help speed up the process so tenants can get back up-to-date on their rent and landlords can collect the rent they are owed.”
Eligibility
Income Qualifications for Rental Assistance in Schenectady County:
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Income Qualifications for Schenectady County |
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1 Person |
2 People |
3 People |
4 People |
5 People |
6 People |
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50% AMI |
$28,100 |
$32,100 |
$36,100 |
$40,100 |
$43,350 |
$46,550 |
|
80% AMI |
$44,950 |
$51,350 |
$57,750 |
$64,150 |
$69,300 |
$74,450 |
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|
|
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|
|
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7 People |
8 People |
9 People |
10 People |
11 People |
12 People |
|
50% AMI |
$49,750 |
$52,950 |
$56,150 |
$59,350 |
$62,550 |
$65,750 |
|
80% AMI |
$79,550 |
$84,700 |
$89,800 |
$94,950 |
$100,050 |
$105,200 |
The events will be held at the Honorable Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library’s McChesney room.
Dates and times:
Saturday, September 18, 2021
10am-2pm
Saturday, October 16, 2021
10am-2pm
Renters and landlords should bring the required documentation listed below to their appointment. To sign up for an appointment, call (518) 344-2794.
Documentation
Applicants should bring all required documentation to the assistance sites listed above.
Renter applicants will need to provide:
- Personal identification for all household members;
- Social Security number of any household members who have been issued one:
- Proof of rental amount;
- Proof of residency and occupancy;
- Proof of Income to document income eligibility:
- Documents demonstrating monthly income; OR
- Documents demonstrating annual income for 2020.
- Copy of gas or electric utility bill, if applying for help paying for utility arrears at the same rental unit.
The Renter’s Checklist provides more detailed information.
Landlords and property owners will need to provide:
- Completed W-9 tax form;
- Executed lease with tenant applicant;
- Documentation of rent due from tenant;
- Banking information to receive direct deposit payment.
The Landlord’s Checklist provides more detailed information.
Additional Application Assistance*
Applicants who are unable to attend the 2 scheduled events can receive in-person help from SCAP and staff at the Bethesda House. All sites are walk-in, no appointment needed. Applicants who arrive after capacity is full will receive an appointment to come back later the same day or the following day.
SCAP
Albany Street Site
913 Albany St.
Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, open until 6:30pm on Wednesdays
(518) 374-9181
Ellis Site
600 McClellan St. (take a right down the hallway to the right of the reception desk)
Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, open until 6:30pm on Wednesdays
(518) 347-5361
Mont Pleasant Branch Library Site (in the entryway)
1036 Crane St.
Tuesdays 1-4:30pm
(518) 419-9026
Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Branch Library Site (in the entryway)
99 Clinton St.
Thursdays 1-4:30pm
(518) 419-9026
Bethesda House
834 State Street
Monday – Friday 8:15am to 6pm
Saturdays 9am to 2pm
(518) 374-7873
*Hours and locations are subject to change. Visit www.schenectadycounty.com/dss for the most up-to-date information.
Additional Information
For more information, visit www.otda.ny.gov/erap or call (844) 691-7368.