Program DescriptionOcean County has established an Emergency Rental Relief Program for County households that had a loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants may be eligible for up to 6 months’ rent payment toward rent that is owed. The Program will only pay rent that is owed and utilities and late fees are not eligible and cannot be paid. The Program does not reimburse for funds that have already been paid out by the applicant. Payments will be issued directly to the applicant’s landlord.
EligibilityTo be eligible, you must:
- Be a resident of any Ocean County municipality and have a current minimum 12 month lease or rent agreement.
- Have a household income that is less than the following income limits, based on family size:
- 1 Person - $62,600
- 2 People - $71,550
- 3 People - $80,500
- 4 People - $89,400
- 5 People - $96,600
- 6 People - $103,750
- 7 People - $110,900
- 8 People - $118,050
- Rental assistance provided to an eligible household should not be duplicative of any other federally funded rental assistance provided to such household for the same time period. This includes but is not limited to: Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program, Public Housing, other government-based rental assistance programs, or ongoing monthly assistance through other community service/charitable programs/services.
- Not have liquid assets or other sources of capital that are greater than 150% of the amount of rent owed.
- Provide documentation of a COVID-related loss of income after January 21, 2020. Examples include:
- Layoff or Reduced hours
- Unpaid leave to take care of children due to school and daycare closure
- Self-quarantined for 14 days resulting in a loss of income
- Experienced a large unexpected medical cost related to COVID-19
- Other consequence of the virus that led to a reduction of income
Application ProcessTo receive assistance, you must submit an application. Click the below link or download documents located on the right column of this page. Documents may be filled out online and printed, or printed and filled out by hand. This documentation will be used to determine eligibility and must be clear and legible for you to be considered. All payments will be made directly to the applicant’s landlord. Landlords must be able to provide the required information requested.
Apply via email:Send application and all documents to
Ocean County Board of Social Services at ERRCOVID19@ocbss.ocean.nj.us, subject line “CDBG-CV Rental Relief Assistance, [your last name and first initial].”
OR via Drop off at one of Ocean County Board of Social Services Drop Boxes: Toms River Main Office:
1027 Hooper Ave, Bldg #3
Toms River, NJ, 08753 Northern Satellite Office:
225 Fourth St
Lakewood, NJ 08701 Southern Satellite Office:
333 Haywood Rd
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
OR via Mail addressed to: Attn: Special Response Unit - ERR
Ocean County Board of Social Services
1027 Hooper Avenue
PO Box 547
Toms River, NJ 08753-0547
DO NOT submit your application until you have gathered ALL required documentation; only complete applications can be processed. Funds are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis; submitting an application does not guarantee financial assistance will be provided. Funds will NOT be held for incomplete applications.
Download Emergency Rental Assistance Application
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