To address the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Middlesex County was awarded $25 million in rental assistance aid available to Middlesex County citizens who meet the eligibility requirements. The county program applications will be available Spring 2021.
Perth Amboy renters are eligible for COVID-19 emergency rental relief if one or more individuals in their household mets these requirements-
- Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19
- Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, mainly documented by having an outstanding rental balance and/or eviction filing (Please note: Landlords may file for eviction during the moratorium, but cases are not heard.)
- Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median. Many renters in Perth Amboy will qualify. (Middlesex County Median Household Income is $88,217 and Perth Amboy Median Household income is $52, 563.) (Please note: Eligible households that include an individual who has been unemployed for 90 days prior to application for assistance and households with income at or below 50 percent of the area median are to be prioritized for assistance.)
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Applications for grants from the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program may be submitted by a member of an eligible household or by a landlord on behalf of that eligible household.
Assistance funds can be spent on rent or utilities to provide limited temporary ongoing assistance, generally not to exceed a total of 12 months.