New York, NY – On Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 10 am, New York State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Chair of the Committee on Social Services, will co-chair an in-person hearing in New York City to examine the problems and delays plaguing the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The hearing will be co-chaired by Steven Cymbrowitz and Helene Weinstein, Chairs of the Committees on Housing and Ways and Means, respectively.

ERAP is a $2.7 billion program that was established in the New York State budget. It is designed to stave off an eviction and homelessness crisis by providing relief to tenants and small landlords who have suffered financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. ERAP will cover up to 12 months of rental and utility arrears for those who qualify, and up to three months of prospective rent help.

It is estimated that New Yorkers owe nearly $4 billion in unpaid rent and more than $1 billion in utilities. Despite the glaring need, ERAP funds have been slow to be released: as of July 27, 2021, only 55 households have received an average of $14,000 in relief. In addition, applicants and advocates have complained that the web-based application portal is riddled with bugs, difficult to navigate and presents obstacles for those who do not have steady access to a computer and non-English speakers.