Commissioner Tom Evans, Director, Department of Revenue and Finance for the Township of Nutley, is informing residents that the New Jersey Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program is officially ending on September 30, 2026. 

With the ERMA application portal closing in several weeks, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) is providing affordable homeowners with a final opportunity to apply for hardship assistance.  Eligibility is limited to homeowners who suffered COVID-related financial hardships which have caused them to fall behind on mortgage payments, HOA fees, taxes, or certain other housing-related expenses. This eligibility includes owners of restricted ownership units. Please see the attached document for high-level ERMA program information or visit the following link for full program detail and to apply for assistance: https://www.njerma.com.

“I am very pleased that we are able to share this information,” Commissioner Evans said. “My staff and I work tirelessly to find opportunities to assist all of our residents and those in need. Our goal is to consistently share information so our residents don’t miss out on opportunities that may benefit them.”

The Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners who have experienced a significant decrease in income or increase in expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

• • Up to $75,000 per household for expenses which may include:
• • Mortgage reinstatement
• • Escrow shortages
• • Delinquent property taxes
• • Municipal or property tax liens
• • Mortgage payments, including principal, interest, taxes, and homeowner’s insurance

ELIGIBILITY:

• • To qualify for assistance, a homeowner must:
• • Own and occupy an eligible one to four-unit primary residence
• • Have experienced a COVID-19 related financial hardship, and have been unable to remain current on mortgage payments
• • Meet household income limits
• • Have been current on mortgage and property taxes as of January 2020

NEXT STEPS:

• • Visit www.njhousing.gov
• • To apply for the ERMA program
• • To find a housing counselor near you for free counseling and ERMA application assistance
• • If you need additional assistance, call 1-855-647-7700