The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has posted public notice today that they will be accepting pre-applications for the lottery for the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) Family, Disabled and Elderly waiting lists statewide starting March 6, 2017 through March 10, 2017. 

The State of New Jersey Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) is a state funded program that provides housing subsidies on behalf of extremely low-income persons for decent, safe and sanitary housing. Persons applying must meet all applicable SRAP income and eligibility requirements. Pre-applications for housing assistance will be accepted from extremely low-income individuals and households based on the income limits established by HUD. You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to apply, or be an emancipated minor. Only one (1) pre-application per household will be accepted.

The income chart at the following link maximum income limits shows the limits that are in effect for each county now. HUD routinely adjusts income limits on an annual basis which could affect your eligibility in the future.

Maximum Income Limits: Your total household income cannot exceed the limits shown on the county income chart. At the time of selection from the waiting list, Applicants must meet the income limits of the county where they are being subsidized and provide proof of residency. The chart only goes up to 8 household members. If you have a larger household, please contact DCA at 609-815-4340 for assistance in determining the maximum income limits for your household.

Definitions:

Elderly: The Head of household who is 62 years of age or over

Family: The Head of household is 18 years of age or an emancipated minor; with or without children

Disabled: The Head of household or Spouse is permanently disabled

Pre-applications will be accepted ONLINE only. The open enrollment period is Monday, March 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. to Friday, March 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Because pre-applications will be selected through a lottery process, it does not matter when you submit your pre-application as long as you submit your pre-application during the open enrollment period. Every pre-application submitted during the open enrollment period has a chance of being selected during the lottery.

How:

Use the https://www.waitlistcheck.com/application/form.php?ID=NJ559 to apply online. Pre-applications can only be made online. Submission of a pre-application does not guarantee placement on any waiting list. Only one pre-application per household per county will be accepted. Duplicate pre-applications per county will be rejected. Paper applications will not be distributed or accepted.

Where:

Pre-applications can be submitted ONLINE with the use of a personal computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet. NO pre-applications will be accepted at the Housing Authority office.

What should I do if I cannot remember my login or password?

Information Required:

Names, social security numbers, birthdates and income information for individuals living in the household. An email address is required. If you do not have one, the application process will allow you to create one. If you need assistance in another language, Google Translate will assist you during the pre-application process.

Reasonable Accommodation:

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will extend reasonable accommodations to disabled individuals on a case-by-case basis and will take into consideration the disability and the need(s) of the individuals. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact DCA at 609-292-4080 and select Option 8 from the Menu or dial 609-633-6157 for assistance.

Lottery Process:

The waiting list placement will be based on a computerized selection (lottery) process. Once the wait list open enrollment period ends, pre-applications will be selected to be placed on the wait list after sorting preferences. Submission of a pre-application does not guarantee placement on the wait list, eligibility, or an offer of a State Rental Assistance Program.

Pre-application Screening:

A Screening of tenant’s background history including criminal background checks will be conducted during the eligibility interview process for all adult household members requesting housing assistance.

Additional Information:

Please visit https://www.waitlistcheck.com/ on or after March 24, 2017 to obtain verification if you were selected for the waiting list. Those who were selected in the lottery will receive a confirmation e-mail and their status on waitlist check will show as “Active.” Those who were not selected will show a status of “Inactive.”

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions if you have any further questions.