Residential Emergency
Rental Assistance Program

This program is now closed to all new applicants.

Message from The Ocean County Board of Commissioners:

Dear Ocean County Resident,

The coronavirus pandemic has created financial challenges for so many of our Ocean County residents. Some of you have been out of work as a result of COVID 19 while others have had their health compromised from the effects of the virus. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners, with a grant from the federal government, want to help our low-income residents keep the roof over their heads as we launch the Ocean County Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program. This program has been designed to help our low income residents who are struggling to pay their rent or may be facing eviction. The information on this web page will help you with the application process which is open to Ocean County residents.

Helping to keep the roof over your head is a priority for the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.

Sincerely,

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners

Ocean County Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Supported by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners

Ocean County has partnered with Witt O’Brien’s to plan and deliver the Ocean County Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Witt O’Brien’s is a crisis and emergency management firm specializing in supporting communities to become more resilient in the midst of unpredictable times.

Please use Chrome, Edge or Firefox when filling out the application.
All applicants will need a working email address to apply.
Program assistance is available by calling 1-833-753-9671.
Call center hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily

How it works

Apply online Please use Chrome, Edge or Firefox when filling out the application.
Applicants will need to demonstrate that your income doesn’t exceed the income limit and that you have been economically impacted during the COVID-19 public health emergency, for example, through job loss, furlough or reduction in hours or pay.
You will also need to provide a current lease/rental agreement and provide all required documents for your application to be considered complete.
Under RERAP 2.0, tenant and Landlord applicants are encouraged to work together to receive funds quickly, if approved. If a tenant is determined to be eligible, they will be able to receive rental relief even if their landlord has opted out of participating in the program. Relief funds provided to tenants must be paid to their landlord per the requirements of their signed grant agreement with the County.
Funds are limited, so apply early.
A RERAP 2.0 award addresses a maximum of 15 months of rent arrears and, an additional three months of prospective (future) rent, not to exceed $45,000 including awards received from RERAP 1.0 and DCA.
Only one application per household is allowed unless roommates have individual leases.
Landlords can apply on behalf of tenants.
An application is not a guarantee of assistance.
If approved, the rental assistance will be paid directly to the applicant’s landlord, if the landlord is participating. Direct to tenant payments will need to be picked up from the County’s offices, in accordance with instructions provided.
If you need help applying, please call: (833) 753-9671

Income eligibility requirements

Household annual income must be at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI):

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
30% AMI Level	$25,600	$29,250	$32,900	$36,550	$39,500	$42,400	$45,350	$48,250
50% AMI Level	$42,650	$48,750	$54,850	$60,900	$65,800	$70,650	$75,550	$80,400
80% AMI Level	$62,600	$71,550	$80,500	$89,400	$96,600	$103,750	$110,900	$118,050

Getting started

Tenants applying for their household, and/or landlords applying on behalf of their tenants, must upload the following documents:

Signed attestation by the applicant or other relevant documentation of unemployment benefits qualification.
A past due rent notice or eviction notice.
Written attestation and supporting documentation based on (i) total household income for 2020 or (ii) monthly income extrapolated over 12 months
Determination letter from another government agency verifying income qualification made on or after 1/1/2021

Before you apply, have ready a digital copy of these required documents:

Required for Eligibility:	Condition of Eligibility:	Preferred Documentation:
1) Qualified for unemployment, or 2) Experienced reduction in income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to COVID-19	Renter households must be at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) for the County, as set by the most current US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Household income will be verified to establish eligibility.	For 1), signed attestation by the applicant or documentation of unemployment benefits qualification For 2), signed attestation by the applicant
One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability	A household may demonstrate qualification for Unemployment Insurance, or demonstrate a reduction in household income, have incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship.	A past due rent notice or eviction notice
Household income at or below 80% of area median income (chart above)	A household may demonstrate risk through an eviction notice or rent notice, or other reasons as described by the household.	1) Written attestation and supporting documentation based on (i) total household income for 2020 or (ii) monthly income for 12 months 2) Determination letter from another government agency verifying income qualification made on or after 1/1/2021

Required Documents

Before you apply, have ready a digital copy of these required documents:

To verify your identify, pick one:

Current driver’s license with a picture
- Current non-driver’s ID card, or Learner Permit with photo
ID card issued by the federal government
United States Permanent Resident Card
United States Employment Authorization Card
United States Certificate of Naturalization
United States Passport
Non-United States Passport plus a current work visa

To verify your income (for everyone in your household over 18):

Wages
Pay Stubs
2020 W-2
2020 IRS Form 1040 from 2020 taxes
Bank Statements (last 60 days, showing reduction in salary)
Letter from Employer (for decreases in income, layoff, closures)
Other Income (provide copies of award letters)
Unemployment
Disability
Social Security
Child Support
TANF
VA Benefits
Pension
Insurance (Workers’ Compensation)
Information on other rent assistance your household has received since April 7, 2020, including what organization helped, amount of assistance, months of assistance.
Completed Self Attestation if you have had no income (See form on this County webpage)

Tenants will also need:

Signed Lease Agreement
- If you don’t have a lease agreement, a signed letter from the landlord stating who lives in the unit, and how much per month you pay for rent
Notice of past due rent(s)
Eviction Notice
ERAP COVID-19 Impact and Risk of Homelessness Attestation (click for form)

Landlords will also need:

W-9
NJ Business License

Additional Forms You May Need to Apply

Self-Certification of Landlord Tenant Relationship

Self-Certification of No Income

Landlord Certification

Written Attestation of Income

How to Get Help With Your Application

If you need one-on-one help with your Ocean County Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program application, case managers will be available at the following times and locations.

Appointments are now available, call 1-833-753-9671 to schedule. Please be aware this calendar may change.

Day	Time	Location	Ocean Ride Bus Route
Monday	10 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Lakewood Library Branch 301 Lexington Ave., Lakewood	OC 4 Lakewood Brick-Link
Tuesday	10 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Brick Library Branch 301 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick	OC 3 Brick Lakewood Toms River OC 3A Point Pleasant OC 4 Lakewood Brick-Link
Tuesday	10 a.m. - 5 p.m.	Jackson Library Branch 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson	Reserve-a-Ride
Wednesday	10 a.m. – 12 p.m.	Lacey Library Branch 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River	OC 5 Lacey
Wednesday	1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.	Manchester Library Branch 201 Colonial Drive, Manchester	OC 1A Whiting OC 2 Manchester
*Beginning 3/16/2022*Wednesday	10 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Lakewood Library Branch 301 Lexington Ave., Lakewood	OC 4 Lakewood Brick-Link
Thursday	10 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Little Egg Harbor Branch 290 Mathistown Road, Little Egg Harbor	OC 6 Little Egg Harbor
Thursday	10 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Toms River Library Branch 101 Washington Street, Toms River	OC 1A Whiting OC 2 Manchester OC 3A Point Pleasant OC10 Toms River Connection
Friday	10 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Toms River Library Branch 101 Washington Street, Toms River	OC 1A Whiting OC 2 Manchester OC 3A Point Pleasant OC10 Toms River Connection

Ocean County’s public transportation, Ocean Ride, offers two major services: the “Reserve-A-Ride” Program and local modified fixed "Bus Routes”. For more information on bus routes, call (732) 736-8989 then Press 4.

Information Only
Upcoming Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2

Please be advised Ocean County anticipates launching the Ocean County Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program (RERAP) 2.0 in February 2022. While complete details will be provided at a later time, proposed program guidelines are as follows:

	RERAP 1	RERAP 2
Federal Source	U.S. Treasury, Dec. 2020	U.S. Treasury, March 2021
Ocean County Allocation	$18 million	$14 million
High Needs grantee allocation	n/a	$4.8 million
Timing	Open: April 2021 Close: Sept 30, 2022	Anticipated Open: Tentatively Feb 1, 2022 Anticipated Close: Sept. 30, 2025
Eligibility	Renter households that: Are in Ocean County Income at/below 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI) Household member has qualified for unemployment, has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant financial impact due to COVID 19 public health emergency Risk of housing instability or homelessness	Renter households that: Are in Ocean County Less than 80 percent AMI Household member has qualified for unemployment, has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant financial impact during or due to COVID 19 public health emergency Risk of housing instability or homelessness
Period of Assistance	March 13, 2020 forward	Same
Method of Income determination	2020 annual income, or two months of monthly income. Documented by: Paystubs W2 T2020 tax filing Bank statements Written attestation Categorical eligibility via other federal assistance programs	Same, including written attestation of unemployment
Financial hardship	Tenant application must describe a reduction in household income due to COVID 19 public health emergency.	Tenant application must describe a reduction in household income during or due to COVID 19 public health emergency.
Priority of Assistance	Priority 1: Household at 50 percent AMI, and, households with a member qualified for unemployment during/for 90 days Priority 2: Households at 80 percent AMI	No change
Award Guidelines	12 months of arrears, 3-months prospective rent 15 months total, max award of $26,610 Arrears will be awarded before prospective rent is considered. A tenant may request prospective rent only if they are not in arrears.	18 months of arrears and prospective, no maximum cap (inclusive of RERAP 1 and 2 combined.) Prospective rent may be awarded regardless of arrears Other expenses related to maintaining housing such as: Prospective relocation fees Rental security deposits Application and screening fees
Who may apply	Tenant or Landlord may apply	Tenant or Landlord may apply
Payment	Grant agreement signed by Tenant and direct payment to Landlord	Direct payment to Tenant or Landlord Direct to Tenant payments will include signature of both Tenant and Landlord
Duplication of Benefits	Not allowed. Tenant must attest that they do not receive other rental assistance.	An attestation will be included in the Grant Agreement.

Go to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program Application

Download RERAP Application Worksheet
This printable paper version of the RERAP application can be used to help you prepare your online application. Please Note:
Your official RERAP application can only be submitted online. The paper version is offered here for your convenience to help you organize the documents you will need. If you have questions please call 1-833-753-9671.

Important RERAP Program Deadline Information

Dear Ocean County RERAP applicant:

The County is entering its final administrative phase of the RERAP grant and therefore must close the program to any new applications for rental assistance after September 30, 2022. All applications received on, or prior to, September 30, 2022 will be reviewed for eligibility determination.

Please call 1-833-753-9671 for assistance.

Thank you.

How to Get RERAP Status Verification

If you are a tenant facing eviction court, you may need information regarding your Ocean County Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program (RERAP) application. There is now a convenient way to request an RERAP status verification if you have an eviction court hearing scheduled.

To receive RERAP verification via email, please complete the online form at least two (2) weeks prior to your court hearing. If you require assistance, you may have a designee (agency, advocate, legal representative, etc.) complete the form on your behalf. Please follow all instructions provided in the form.

Questions regarding how to receive RERAP verification can be emailed to ERAPDocs@co.ocean.nj.us.
All other inquiries regarding RERAP must be directed to 1-833-753-9671.

Important Links

2021-2022 Ocean County Housing Resource Guide

FAQ

What are the eligibility requirements for the Ocean County Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program?

If my household income is higher than the amount listed but I have lost my job can I apply?

Are people who rent a room eligible to apply?

Can I apply if I own my mobile home but pay space rent to a landlord?

Will you help me pay my mortgage?

What are the steps to apply?

How much will a Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program award cover?

When does the Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program Close?

A message from Director Barbara Jo Crea
		Director Barbara Jo Crea Barbara “Bobbi” Jo Crea, a dedicated and active Ocean County leader will serve as the 2024 Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. Read more
		Deputy Director Gary Quinn Commissioner Gary Quinn serves as the Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners for 2024. Read more
		Commissioner John P. Kelly Commissioner John P. Kelly has been an Ocean County elected official since 1993. He was sworn into his 11th three-year term on the Board of Commissioners during the Board’s organization meeting Jan. 4, 2023. Read more
		Commissioner Virginia E. Haines Commissioner Virginia E. “Ginny” Haines, a lifelong resident of Ocean County, brings years of public service and leadership experience to the Board of Commissioners. She was sworn into her third three-year term on the Board during its organization meeting Jan. 4, 2023. Read more
		Commissioner Frank Sadeghi Commissioner Frank Sadeghi was sworn to his first three year term on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners during the Board’s reorganization meeting Jan. 3, 2024. A successful businessman and a long-time public servant, Commissioner Sadeghi brings years of leadership experience to the Board. Read more
Michael J. Fiure, County Administrator 101 Hooper Ave. Admin Building Toms River, NJ 08754 Phone: (732) 929-2147 \| Email: MFiure@co.ocean.nj.us
History \| Contact the Commissioners \| Meeting Dates \| Meeting Agendas Meeting Minutes \| Budget Information \| Audit Reports

Residential EmergencyRental Assistance Program