NYC Department of Homeless Services

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dhs/html/home/home.shtml

HOME ABOUT DHS AT-RISK? HOMELESS NOW? ADVANTAGE COMMUNICATIONS STATS & REPORTS CONTACT DHS

FAQ FOR INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY THE ELIMINATION OF ADVANTAGE Q: Why is the Advantage program ending? The final State Budget withdraws all federal and state support for the program which terminates the City's authority and fiscal ability to run the Advantage program. The City strongly disagrees with the State's decision. Q: Will my February rent be paid? NO. Ever since April, 2011, the City has been paying Advantage rent subsidies because there was a court order requiring the City to continue the payments pending the outcome of ongoing court action. On Thursday, February 2, 2012, the court discontinued that order. Therefore, the City will NOT be paying the February rent subsidy. There are still pending court proceedings and the City will provide updated information as soon as it becomes available. Please note that the discontinuation of February Advantage payments is NOT an eviction notice. DHS strongly encourages current Advantage tenants to attend a Homebase information session. Homebase offers comprehensive services, including eviction prevention counseling, free legal assistance, short term emergency funding and assistance in obtaining employment and public benefits. By attending a Homebase workshop, Advantage tenants will receive assistance in planning for maintaining their housing. For further information, please call 311 to locate a Homebase office in your community. Q: If I am an Advantage landlord, who can I contact to discuss the options that are available for my tenants? During business hours call 212-607-6200, or 311 anytime. Q. If I am an Advantage landlord, may I use the security deposit if my tenant is unable to pay the full rent? As with any other lease, the security deposit can be used towards non-payment of rent or towards damages incurred in the apartment. Q. Does the end of the Advantage program mean that I have to leave my apartment? Absolutely NOT. The notices that you have received from HRA and DHS were only to let you know the status of your rental assistance. NONE OF THESE NOTICES WERE EVICTION NOTICES. EVEN THOUGH THE PROGRAM IS ENDING, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO VACATE YOUR APARTMENT. If your landlord has asked you to leave your apartment or is threatening to evict you because the Advantage program has been terminated, please contact the DHS Prevention Helpline during business hours at 212-607-6200, or 311 anytime. Q: What if I can't pay my rent - what are the options available to me? DHS will be holding a number of information sessions for Advantage tenants at Homebase locations throughout the City. Please click here (in pdf) to view the current schedule of these sessions. The City also offers a range of community-based eviction prevention resources including: One shot deals may be available for families and individuals. In order to qualify, you will have to be able to show future ability to pay the rent. You need to go to an HRA Job Center to apply for a one-shot deal. You can call 311 for the location of an appropriate Job Center. Families who are receiving or are eligible for Cash Assistance and receive a Housing Court notice may be eligible for the Family Eviction Prevention Supplement (FEPS). Families who

(For December 9, 2011) 8,530 Families With Children

1,387 Adult Families 8,567 Single Adults 39,787 Total Individuals

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2/6/2012 9:21 AM