Thursday, December 5, 2013

Sandy Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program Offers Temporary Relief Up to $15,000

Although it has been more than a year since Superstorm Sandy impacted the coastal communities of New Jersey, there are still many individuals and families in need of housing assistance.

“For many residents, life has not yet returned to normal following Superstorm Sandy,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “As county government, we want to help in any way we can, and that includes sharing information about the availability of programs such as SHRAP to assist homeowners and renters.

The Sandy Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program (SHRAP) offers temporary relief of up to $15,000 in payment vouchers for subsidies, benefits or services not covered by FEMA, home insurance or other government grants and subsidies.

“We encourage residents who are still displaced or struggling to repair or rebuild their homes to take advantage of this program,” said Levinson.

SHRAP provides eligible residents up to six months of assistance per household for current or past due mortgage payments, rent, and utility bills as well as replacement of furniture and appliances that were directly damaged as a result of Sandy.

In order to be eligible for the program, an individual or family unit must:
* Have a financial distress directly related to housing
  * Be a U.S. citizen or eligible alien
  * Not currently be receiving Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) benefits or be eligible for WFNJ/SSI Emergency Assistance and
  * Be legally or blood-related. (If two unrelated families/individuals are sharing a home/apartment, each can apply separately.)

Verification:
Prior to providing services, all eligibility elements must be verified. The primary method of verifying identity/residency is a NJ Driver’s License, however, verifications may include, but are not limited to:

  * a state-issued photo ID
  * a mortgage statement
  * a lease agreement
  * a utility bill
  * birth certificate
  * an affidavit or statement regarding current living arrangements,
  homeowner’s insurance documents or
  * proof of FEMA registration (if applicable)
“Because circumstances vary among households, we recommend that anyone interested in this program call our offices to review the specific documents needed at the time of application,” added Levinson.

Residents may call (609) 345-6700, ext. 2717, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

“Atlantic County government will do its best to help our residents attain any and all assistance available to them,” he concluded.

County News