New York City's rental market is notoriously tough, and even with the best planning, life can throw unexpected financial curveballs. For many tenants, falling behind on rent can quickly lead to the terrifying threat of eviction. Thankfully, NYC offers several vital rental assistance programs designed to help individuals and families stay in their homes.
Staying informed about these programs in 2025 is crucial, as eligibility requirements and funding availability can sometimes shift. Here are five key rental assistance programs every NYC tenant should know about:
1. Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
What it is: ERAP is a New York State program designed to help low and moderate-income households who are behind on their rent. It can cover up to 12 months of rent arrears, 3 months of future rent, and potentially utility arrears.
Who it helps: Households with income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 or other circumstances, and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability.
While the application portal for new ERAP applications officially closed on January 20, 2023, the state continues to process eligible applications submitted before that date. For tenants who applied before the closure, having a pending ERAP application can still provide a temporary stay of eviction proceedings.
How to check status or upload documents (if you applied before closure): Continue to use the NY State OTDA ERAP portal or call their hotline.
Important Note for 2025: While new ERAP applications are generally not being accepted as of early 2025, continued advocacy for more funding and potential reopening of the portal is ongoing. Always check the official OTDA website for the most current information. If you haven't applied for ERAP, other programs listed below are your primary avenues for rental arrears help.
2. CityFHEPS (City Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement)
What it is: CityFHEPS is a rent supplement program administered by the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) that helps eligible individuals and families move out of or avoid shelters. It's a key tool in NYC's homelessness prevention efforts.
Who it helps: This program primarily targets households that are:
Facing eviction.
Currently residing in DHS shelters (for at least 90 days, in some cases).
Households with children receiving Cash Assistance.
Households paying more than half their income on rent and at risk of homelessness.
Survivors of domestic violence.
How to apply: If you are in a shelter, shelter staff can assist. If you are in the community and facing eviction, you can often apply through HomeBase (see #5 below) or by submitting a special grant request via ACCESS HRA if you are already receiving Cash Assistance. Eligibility criteria can be complex, so seeking guidance is recommended.
3. One-Shot Deal (Emergency Assistance from HRA)
What it is: A "One-Shot Deal" is a one-time emergency grant from the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) designed to prevent homelessness. It can cover rent arrears, security deposits, broker fees, and other housing-related emergencies.
Who it helps: Anyone facing a short-term financial crisis (e.g., job loss, illness, unexpected expense) that has led to them falling behind on rent. You generally need to demonstrate that you can pay your rent going forward after receiving the grant. Recent legislative discussions in early 2025 aimed to remove the repayment requirement for "One-Shot Deals" in NYC for low-income individuals, which would significantly ease the burden on recipients.
How to apply:
Online: Via the ACCESS HRA website.
In-person: At an HRA Benefits Access Center (BAC).
By phone or mail: In some cases, or if a reasonable accommodation is needed due to a disability.
Important: After applying, you typically need to call for an interview to discuss your situation and provide supporting documentation.
See also, ACCESS NYC Instructions, ACCESS HRA User Guide
4. SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) & DRIE (Disability Rent Increase Exemption)
What they are: These programs "freeze" the rent for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities living in rent-regulated apartments (rent-controlled, rent-stabilized, Mitchell-Lama, etc.). The city then provides a property tax abatement to the landlord to make up the difference between the frozen rent and what the tenant would otherwise pay.
Who it helps:
SCRIE: Tenants age 62 or older.
DRIE: Tenants with a qualifying disability.
Both: Must live in a rent-regulated apartment and have a household income below a certain threshold (currently $50,000, though there are ongoing legislative efforts in 2025 to increase this to $67,000 and index it to inflation). Your rent must be more than one-third of your household income.
How to apply: Applications are handled by the NYC Department of Finance (DOF) via their website (nyc.gov/finance) or by mail. Legislation proposed in 2025 also seeks to provide retroactivity for benefits in certain cases.
5. HomeBase Homelessness Prevention Services
What it is: HomeBase isn't a direct financial assistance program, but rather a network of community-based organizations funded by the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS). They provide comprehensive services to help New Yorkers at risk of entering the shelter system or facing eviction.
Who it helps: Low-income individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness who want to remain stably housed in their community.
How to access services: HomeBase offers a variety of services, including:
Eviction prevention counseling.
Assistance with obtaining public benefits (including referrals to financial aid programs like CityFHEPS).
Landlord-tenant mediation.
Financial counseling and money management.
Education and job placement assistance.
Referrals to legal services.
To find your nearest HomeBase office, call 311 or visit the HRA website for the HomeBase locator tool.
Important Tips for All Programs:
Act Fast: As soon as you face financial difficulty or receive an eviction notice, seek help immediately.
Gather Documents: Have proof of income, ID, lease, eviction notices, and any relevant financial statements ready.
Be Persistent: Applying for assistance can be a process. Follow up on your applications and be prepared to provide additional documentation.
Seek Legal Advice: Many of these programs work in conjunction with legal assistance. NYC's Right to Counsel provides free legal representation to eligible tenants facing eviction in Housing Court ā call 311 for referrals.
Navigating rental assistance programs in NYC can be complex, but these programs are lifelines for thousands of New Yorkers. Don't hesitate to reach out for the help you need to keep your home stable in 2025.
