The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP) will provide temporary rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have lost income or become unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Applicants may be eligible for up to 6 months of emergency rental assistance.
• The assistance will be capped at the Department of Community Affairs' (DCA’s) fair market rent standard or the total of the rent, whichever is lesser.
• All participants will be reviewed after a 3-month interval to see if they are still in need of assistance.
• Any person applying must meet all applicable CVERAP income and eligibility requirements (see below for details).
• You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to apply, or you must be an emancipated minor.
• Only one (1) pre-application per household will be accepted.

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will extend reasonable accommodations to disabled individuals, and any person who has limited English proficiency on a case-by-case basis and will take into consideration needs of any individual with disabilities or household without without internet access. Please call DCA’s Applicant Service Unit at 609-292-4080, Option 1 or 8, to request an accommodation.

All households who receive rent assistance will be selected through an online lottery process. You do not have to be diagnosed with COVID-19 to be eligible.

Anyone selected for the program must meet the following requirements:

• Have a gross, annual household income that is at or below the maximum income limits for the county where they will be residing
• Be a New Jersey resident and have a valid lease for a unit in New Jersey signed by landlord
• Rent must be current as of March 2020; this program will not assist with arrears
• Have a substantial reduction in income or be unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Lack of assets or savings to pay rent
• Will pay a minimum of 30% of their income towards the rent

Applicants must have an email address to apply online. You can click here to access the application, which will be available from July 6, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. through July 10, 2020 at 5 p.m.

For more information, dial 609-292-4080 or 551-249-2687. You can also visit the Department of Community Affairs' website which includes information on the Maximum Income Limits and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for this Program.

During the Open Enrollment Period, any person who would require a reasonable accommodation, including persons with limited English proficiency or do not have internet access, can call 609-292-4080, Option 1 or 8 for assistance.

Completion of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Pre-application does not guarantee placement in the Program.