211 Susquehanna River Region has partnered with the City of Binghamton to assist residents in obtaining temporary rent, mortgage, and utility assistance.

The COVID-19 Temporary Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance Program is designed to provide up to three (3) consecutive months of rent/ mortgage/utility assistance to low-to-moderate income residents who have lost income as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the NY On PAUSE (effective March 22, 2020) shutdowns.

Low-to-moderate income households earning 80% or less of Area Median Income (AMI) may be provided to eligible households with up to three (3) months of partial or full assistance of the monthly payment owed. This program is subject to funding availability. Qualifying utility costs to be paid include electricity, gas, and water/sewer. It does not include telephone, internet, or cable. For homeowners pro-rated property taxes and pro-rated property insurance are eligible. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) mortgages are not eligible for this program. This program is only available to applicants who reside in the City of Binghamton. The program will not issue payments directly to applicants; payments will be sent directly to landlords, mortgage companies, and utility companies, all of whom must be willing to participate in this program. Landlords must be able to provide the city with completed IRS W-9 forms or Social Security Numbers.

Applicants must meet income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Income eligibility is based on gross income from all sources but excludes bonus unemployment through the CARES Act. Assistance will be provided on a month-to-month basis or a sum total of past eligible months and will be contingent upon continued eligibility for the program. The maximum duration of assistance payments will not exceed three (3) consecutive months. Payments will not be made to cover arrears for rent or utilities accrued prior to March 31, 2020, or cover back rent for eviction proceedings commenced prior to March 31, 2020.