New York state has announced the availability of $2.7 billion in emergency rental assistance for income-eligible renters who have fallen behind on rent or utility payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. is urging its eligible customers to apply for up to 12 months of back rent and up to three months of future rent payments, as well as up to 12 months of overdue gas bill payments. This program, known as ERAP, is funded primarily by the latest federal stimulus package and directs the funds directly to landlords and utility companies on behalf of the renters.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for rent or utility assistance through the state's program, customers must meet the following criteria:
1. Household gross income must be at or below 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Either current monthly income or 2020 annual income can be used for the application.
2. A member of the household must have received unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in income, or faced financial hardships due to the pandemic since March 13, 2020.
3. Renters must have an overdue rent balance for payments due on or after March 13, 2020.
For assistance in determining the area median income, the state Office of Temporary Disability Assistance provides detailed information on the rental program's website.
Application Process:
Renters and landlords can apply online or by phone during specified hours. Different counties, like Monroe County and the City of Rochester, have their own application procedures. Priority will be given to specific applicants based on income levels and various household circumstances throughout the month of June, after which applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more details about the program and how to apply, visit the program's official website.
Numerous other payment assistance programs are also available to National Fuel customers, including the Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund, deferred payment agreements, and special protections for vulnerable households. Customers are encouraged to reach out to a customer assistance representative for more information on these programs.
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp., a segment of National Fuel Gas Co., serves over 740,000 customers in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. For further information about the utility's services and payment assistance programs, visit their official website.