Murphy-Oliver Administration Announces New Program for Struggling Homeowners

Over $325 million of federal funding to provide financial assistance and counseling for homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 

Governor Philip D. Murphy and Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver today announced the upcoming launch of the Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA), administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA). This program will provide up to $35,000 in assistance to cover mortgage arrearages, delinquent property taxes, and other housing cost delinquencies for eligible homeowners negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance offers struggling families a lifeline, and can make other loss mitigation options, such as refinancing, viable.  

If you are unsure if you’re eligible, you should call 855 647 7700 to be put in touch with a housing counselor who can help guide you through the process and understand your options. To qualify for the ERMA program, homeowners must meet the following requirements:

• Be a New Jersey homeowner with a demonstrated COVID-19-related financial hardship occurring after January 20, 2020; 
• Own and occupy an eligible primary residence;
• Have an income below 150% of their Area Median Income (AMI).

• Click here to apply. The application portal will open for applications on February 8th, 2022 at 9am.
• Click here to review program eligibility and sign up for program updates.
• Click here to view the full press release.