Emergency Rental Assistance in Monmouth County NJ Explained

Last updated: June 14, 2026

What Is the Monmouth County ERAP and Who Funds It

Monmouth County received $38,410,914.20 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP 1). The county-administered program was designed to stabilize households whose finances were disrupted directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic. For a broader look at how these programs operate nationwide, see our guide on understanding how ERAP works.

The program is administered locally and follows U.S. Treasury guidelines. Rules are subject to change or reinterpretation at any point during implementation. Because funds are limited and not every applicant receives assistance, applying early matters.

One application is allowed per household — with an exception for individuals who share a residence but hold separate lease agreements. Importantly, all applicants must certify that they have not received financial help from another source for the same expenses (a federal requirement under the Duplication of Benefits rule established by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act).

Who Qualifies for Emergency Rental Assistance in Monmouth County

To be eligible, a household must satisfy all three of the following federal criteria:

• At least one household member experienced unemployment, reduced income, significant expenses, or another financial hardship as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19.
• At least one household member can demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability — such as past-due rent, a utility shutoff notice, or an eviction notice.
• Total household income is at or below 80% of the Monmouth County Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by HUD, adjusted for household size.

Priority consideration is given to households earning 50% or less of AMI and to members who have been unemployed for 90 days or more. If your household falls between 50% and 80% AMI and does not include a long-term unemployed member, you may still qualify but may receive lower priority during funding allocation.

Tenants must also maintain their primary residence within Monmouth County, New Jersey. Rental arrears that predate March 13, 2020 are not eligible under this program.

If you're also dealing with the threat of eviction and want to understand your full range of options, our article on alternatives to eviction for renters covers additional paths worth exploring alongside ERAP.

What Expenses Does the Program Cover

Approved households can receive up to $15,000 for qualifying expenses incurred on or after March 13, 2020. Per U.S. Treasury rules, combined rental assistance is capped at 12 months total (up to 12 months of arrears plus up to 3 additional months of prospective rent if needed to ensure housing stability, subject to fund availability).

Covered expenses include:

• Rental payment arrears (past-due rent)
• Prospective rent for up to 3 months — only when combined with a request for rental arrears
• Late rental payment fees
• Security deposits
• Relocation fees
• Rental fees for mobile home pad sites

All housing-related expenses beyond base rent must be supported by documentary evidence — a bill, invoice, or payment copy. Payments are made directly to the landlord, not to the tenant. If you are also dealing with back rent assistance in New Jersey from another source, be aware that receiving overlapping funds for the same months is prohibited under the Duplication of Benefits rule.

Documents Tenants and Landlords Need to Apply

Both tenants and landlords play a role in the application. Landlords may initiate the process on behalf of the tenant. Below is what each party typically needs to provide.

Tenant Documentation

• Proof of income loss or financial hardship: employer letter (layoff, furlough, reduced hours), unemployment benefits statement, or a signed tenant attestation if no statement is available
• Past-due rent notices, utility shutoff notices, or eviction notices
• Billing statements for significant incurred costs (medical bills, childcare, home health assistance)
• Income documentation sufficient to verify household income against the AMI table

Landlord Documentation

• Government-issued photo ID (NJ driver's license, non-driver ID, U.S. Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Card, Certificate of Naturalization, or valid U.S. passport)
• Copy of the signed lease agreement — or, if no lease exists, a notarized letter from the landlord stating residents and monthly rent
• Proof of ownership: deed, mortgage document, or business holding interest
• If the landlord is a managing agent rather than the owner, a management agreement
• Federal W-9 form
• Copies of any rent arrears notices or eviction-related letters sent to the tenant

Tenants and landlords are strongly encouraged to collaborate on the application to speed up processing and disbursement.

Additional Housing Services Available Through Monmouth County

Beyond direct rental payments, Monmouth County works with community-based organizations through Monmouth Acts and the Monmouth Homeless Collaborative to connect residents with a wider range of housing stabilization services. If you're navigating housing instability in New Jersey more broadly, the New Jersey rental assistance programs hub provides a county-by-county overview of available resources, including programs from neighboring areas like Gloucester County emergency rental assistance and Camden County rental assistance.

Local services available through the county's partner network include:

• Housing stability counseling and fair housing support
• Landlord-tenant mediation and legal services
• Domestic violence housing resources
• Employment and job training referrals
• Utility assistance (electricity, gas, water)
• Food assistance and childcare support
• Behavioral health and healthcare access services
• Financial coaching and specialized programs for seniors and people with disabilities

Discrimination in connection with this program is prohibited. The Fair Housing Act bans discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Individuals with limited English proficiency are entitled to meaningful access to program services.

To reach the Monmouth County ERAP assistance line directly, call (848) 801-1297, Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.