The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program offers assistance to income-qualified individuals financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords are able to apply on behalf of their eligible tenants. Learn more at the NYS ERAP web page or at the Erie County Department of Social Services ERAP page.

Emergency Services, 460 Main St, 2nd floor, may assist you with a one-time payment of shelter arrears if you have fallen behind on your rent and your landlord has threatened to evict you if you do not pay. 

• Shelter arrears payments are generally limited to once every five years, and are made as an interest-free loan or as a grant, covering a maximum of 4-6 months of back rent owed, depending on household income and composition.   Payment cannot be used for late fees, court costs, or attorney fees.

• Interest-free loans for shelter arrears generally must be repaid within 12 months.    Failure to repay the loan in full may result in denial of future shelter arrears applications.

• Along with other common documents needed for application, you will also need to provide an itemized eviction letter, written and signed by your landlord, including your name and address, and listing each month and how much you still owe.  This letter must indicate that your landlord may begin eviction proceedings if you don’t pay, and include your landlord’s address and telephone number.  You’ll also need to complete a Shelter Arrears Questionnaire/Shelter Arrears Questionnaire - Spanish.

• While the eviction does NOT have to be court-ordered, if you have a pending court date, or have already been to court and have a 14-day notice to vacate, we may still be able to help.  Bring your court petition and/or stipulation, so that we have a breakdown of what you owe and the deadline by which it must be paid.  

• You may also need to prove that you can afford your ongoing rent.  If your income isn’t enough to pay your monthly rent, you might: (1) ask your landlord to lower your rent to something you can afford, (2) ask friends or family members if they are willing to pay the difference directly to your landlord, or (3) find a roommate to help share the cost.

Emergency Assistance - Shelter Arrears

Emergency Assistance - Shelter Arrears - Spanish