Assemblyman Thiele: $3.5 Billion in Assistance Available for Renters and Small Businesses
Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. today announced that $3.5 billion in relief aid is being distributed to New York renters and small businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), New York State will distribute up to $2.7 billion to qualifying households, including up to 12 months of past-due rental assistance, 3 months of proactive rental assistance, and 12 months of outstanding utility payments. The rental assistance program will begin accepting applications June 1 and is available to New Yorkers who are behind on their rent, have endured financial burdens related to the pandemic, are threatened by homelessness or housing instability, and whose income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income.
As announced by Governor Cuomo[1], during the first 30 days, the program will prioritize the unemployed, those with income at or below 50 percent of area median income and other vulnerable populations. After the first 30 days, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds remain available. For more information, applicants and landlords should visit otda.ny.gov/erap.
Additionally, $800 million in remaining assistance will be provided to the small business recovery grant program, which aims to support small businesses on their path to financial recovery. Businesses will be eligible to receive up to $50,000 in grant funding that may be used to cover operating and business expenses, including payroll, rent, taxes, utilities, etc. The grant program will begin accepting applications June 10 and is available to small and micro businesses, as well as small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations.[2]
Assemblyman Thiele stated, “Here on the East End and across New York State, people and businesses are still reeling from the financial devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We must do everything in our power to support our fellow community members and to help small businesses remain viable and essential components of our economy. The ERAP and the small business recovery grant program are both positive steps towards achieving this important goal.”