$57M Sandy Living Expenses Voucher Program Announced

The State of New Jersey this week announced a $57 million Sandy Housing and Rental Assistance Program, which is designed to provide families affected by Superstorm Sandy essential items for health and safety when they return to their home.

This voucher program provides temporary relief by offering support to working families who are financially strained due to the costs associated with recovery from Sandy, according to a prepared statement from Gov. Christie's office.

Funding for this program is being distributed to all of New Jersey’s 21 counties for qualifying Sandy-impacted families and individuals through a federal Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) to the state Department of Human Services (DHS).

Funds will be distributed through the county Boards of Social Services or other agencies in the form of direct payments to billing agencies or vouchers to select vendors for eligible residents.

Capped at $15,000 in direct payments or vouchers per household, the program provides up to six months of housing and related assistance.

Allowable expenses include:

·         Retroactive and Current rent/mortgage payments
·         Retroactive and Current utility payments
·         Beds and Cribs
·         Bed Linens and Towels
·         Dressers
·         Dining furniture
·         Washing machines and dryers
·         Refrigerators
·         Couches
·         Dinnerware
·         Lighting
·         Stoves
·         Microwaves
·         Air Conditioners
·         Pots and Pans
·         Hot Water heaters

In order to prevent fraud and maintain the integrity of the program, residents may be asked to bring any of the following items for review:

·         FEMA/DCA Registration
·         Mortgage statement/lease agreement
·         State issued driver’s license
·         Utility bills
·         Bank Account statement
·         Income Tax Return
·         Birth certificate/Voter ID/Legal Permanent Resident Card
·         Guardianship papers, if applicable

People interested in applying for the program can visit www.NJ211.org or call 211 to find out where to apply.