Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funding is now available to New Mexico residents who qualify. Federal aid in the amount of $170,000,000 has been granted to the state to provide “…rental and utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak.” This assistance can make a big difference for those who have been suffering financially because of the pandemic.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is a part of the federal government’s Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, and the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) is administrating the program for the state of New Mexico. According to City of Hobbs Communication Director Meghan Mooney, “…applications are now being accepted at renthelpnm.org.”
What Do the Funds Cover?
In addition to covering rent and utility (gas and electric) bills, funds are available to pay the costs of water, sewer and trash removal, as well as those of wood, pellets and fuel oil. Some additional expenses like hotel and motel costs may also receive a green light. If you have a question as to whether an expense is covered, be sure to ask.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for Assistance?
All residents of New Mexico are eligible, except for those residing in Bernalillo County (outside of the Albuquerque city limits) or in Doña Ana County. These two counties are administering their own programs.
Factors that determine eligibility are:
- Whether at least one person within the household has qualified for unemployment benefits and whether a reduction in household income, significant costs and/or other financial hardships have been incurred either directly or indirectly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Whether one or more persons within the household is able to demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Whether the household’s income is at or below 80% of area median income as defined by Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
It is important to note when looking at eligibility that households with an income of less than 50% of the area median and with one or more individuals who has been unemployed for 90 days or more will be given priority. The idea is for those with the greatest need(s) to be served first.
How To Apply for Assistance?
- You can apply online at: www.RentHelpNM.org
- You can download the assistance application at www.RentHelpNM.org, print it and, then, mail it to:
DFA Attention: ERAP 407 Galisteo Santa Fe, NM 87501
- You can call: 1-833-485-1334 (a representative will be available to help you)
The federal government is making Emergency Rental Assistance payments directly to the state of New Mexico with the requirement that the state use no less than 90% of the funds received for “…. direct financial assistance, including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, utilities and home energy costs arrears, and other expenses related to housing. Remaining funds are available for housing stability services, including case management and other services intended to keep households stably housed,” states the U.S. Department of the Treasury in its policy statement about the program.
Landlords and utility providers will likely be paid directly by the state of New Mexico, depending on the request of the Emergency Rental Assistance applicant. If you are a landlord or utility provider, download a W9 and submit it to DFA online at: ERAVendor.Relations@state.nm.us. By following this procedure, you will receive your payment more quickly.
