(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Monmouth County has partnered with New Jersey SHARES to offer utility assistance to income-eligible tenants with up to 18 months of utility arrearages resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic through the Monmouth County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

“The Monmouth County ERAP program continues to find innovative ways to provide tenants and landlords with financial resources to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “I want to thank our partners at New Jersey SHARES for working with us to provide this opportunity to our residents. Tenants affected will be able to access a variety of utility assistance options through New Jersey SHARES including but not limited to electric, gas, water, and/or similar expenses.”

“Through this important partnership with Monmouth County, we welcome the opportunity to put our long-standing working relationship with the State’s regulated utilities to work for the County’s tenants,” said NJ SHARES CEO Cheryl Stowell. “These important ERAP funds will provide up to 18 months of utility arrearage assistance for those tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the program eligibility requirements. Tenants who have experienced a loss of income or significant financial hardship and are burdened with significant natural gas or electric bills can contact New Jersey SHARES directly for assistance.”

Monmouth County tenants with outstanding utility bills can contact New Jersey SHARES by calling 1-866-657-4273 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm or by visiting their website. Text messaging is also available – text HELP to 64405 to connect with a New Jersey SHARES customer service representative. Message and data rates may apply.

The purpose of the Monmouth County ERAP is to prevent evictions and homelessness by providing rental assistance for eligible households in Monmouth County making less than 80% of area median income (AMI) in accordance with the federal program guidelines.

“The County and its partners continue to work tirelessly to help identify potential applicants for the Monmouth County ERAP program and assist them with the application process,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley. “If you or someone you know is in need of emergency rental assistance, please visit www.monmouthcountyerap.com or call (848) 801-1297 between 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday through Friday or 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. If you need further assistance, you can also contact Monmouth ACTS at www.monmouthacts.org or call them at 732-683-2102.”

The Monmouth County ERAP will allow eligible households to receive up to $30,000 for rental costs incurred on or after March 13, 2020.

The County has received direct funding allocation in the total amount of $38,410,914.20 from the United States Department of Treasury under the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP 1”, “ERAP 2” and “ERAP 2 High Need”).

For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyerap.com or call (848) 801-1297 between 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday through Friday or 8:00am and 1:00pm on Saturday.