Ocean County NJ Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program (RERAP)

Last updated: June 26, 2026

How the Ocean County RERAP Works

The Ocean County Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program (RERAP) helps tenants who were unable to pay rent due to COVID-19 financial hardship. To apply, complete the online application using Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. Applicants must prove their income is below the program limit and that they were unable to pay rent owing to COVID-19. A current lease or rental agreement, along with all relevant supporting papers, must also be submitted.

Critically, the applicant’s landlord must participate in the program for rental assistance to be issued — awarded funds go directly to the landlord, not the tenant. Tenants and landlords should apply jointly to receive funds as quickly as possible. Apply early, since processing depends on program participation from both parties. Only one application is permitted per family, unless roommates hold separate leases. An application does not guarantee assistance will be awarded.

Income Requirements

Annual household income must be equal to or less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Ocean County. Income limits vary by household size — verify your specific threshold through the program portal or by calling (833) 753-9671 before applying.

Pro Tip

Because landlord participation is required for the program to issue payment, contact your landlord before or immediately after starting your application. Joint applications process significantly faster than tenant-only submissions, since the program cannot disburse funds until both parties have confirmed participation.

Required Documentation to Apply

Both tenants applying for their household and landlords applying on behalf of tenants must attach the following:

• A signed attestation or other documentation establishing eligibility for unemployment benefits.
• Notification of delinquent rent or an eviction notice.
• Written attestation and accompanying documentation based on either total household income in 2020 or monthly income extrapolated over a 12-month period.
• Income qualification determination letter from another government agency, dated on or after January 1, 2020 (if applicable).

Proof of Identity (choose one)

• Valid driver’s license with photograph.
• Current non-driver identification card, or a Learner Permit with photo ID issued by the federal government.
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Card, or Certificate of Naturalization.
• U.S. passport, or a foreign passport with a valid work visa.

Proof of Income (required for every household member 18 or older)

• 2020 W-2 or 2020 IRS Form 1040.
• Bank account statements from the last 60 days showing reduction in salary.
• Employer’s letter documenting decreased income, layoff, or business closure.

Other sources of income (provide copies of award letters):

• Unemployment, disability, or SSI benefits.
• Child support, VA benefits, or TANF benefits.
• Pension, retirement income, or workers’ compensation.

You must also disclose any other rental assistance your household has received since April 7, 2020 — including the assisting organization, the amount of aid, and the number of months covered. If you have had no income for a period of time, you must complete a Self Attestation form, available on the Ocean County website.

Additional Tenant and Landlord Documents

• Tenants: A signed lease agreement. If no lease exists, a signed statement from the landlord identifying who lives in the unit and the monthly rent paid. Plus any notices of delinquent rent or eviction.
• Landlords: A completed W-9 form and proof of New Jersey business license.

Optional Forms That Can Strengthen Your Application

The following self-certification forms can support specific circumstances in your application:

• Landlord Certification
• Self-Certification of Landlord-Tenant Relationship
• Self-Certification of No Income — available on the Ocean County RERAP webpage.
• Self-Certification of Risk of Homelessness or Housing Instability
• Self-Certification of Unemployment, Decreased Income, or Increased Expenses

Apply directly through the Ocean County RERAP online application. For Ocean County residents who don’t qualify here, the Monmouth County Emergency Rental Assistance Program serves the neighboring county under a similar framework.

Other New Jersey Rental Assistance Resources

For a complete view of what’s available across New Jersey — including SRAP, the Homelessness Prevention Program, and Section 8 — visit the New Jersey rental assistance guide. The Gloucester County Emergency Rental Assistance Program operates under a comparable joint tenant-landlord application structure if your situation changes or you relocate within the state. Tenants currently facing eviction proceedings should also review alternatives to eviction available in New Jersey while any pending application is processed.