CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Camden County is establishing a rental assistance program for renters who are struggling to pay or at risk of eviction in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The program is utilizing $4 million from the federal CARES Act. Anyone who has fallen behind on their rent can reach out for help, as long as they meet certain requirements, including income limits and proof of lost or reduced income. 

“Once tenants submit their application, the team processing applications will reach out to the landlord,” said Freeholder Director Lou Cappelli. “Landlords must agree to waive late fees and penalties, which accrued from April through September of this year.”

South Jersey Chamber of Commerce President Christina Renna said this is good news for landlords too, as it keeps the money flowing.

“This is going to go a long way in getting Camden County back on their feet,” she added.

Assistance is capped at $4,000, and it can be used for up to six months of back rent, as long as the lease was signed prior to March 1, 2020. Payments will be made directly to landlords.

Landlords who receive payments through the state’s tenant assistance or Section 8 are not eligible.

The income limits are as follows:

• One-person household: $33,850
• Two-person household: $38,650
•  Three-person household: $43,500
• Four-person household: $48,300
• Five-person household: $52,200
• Six-person household: $56,050

Applications open Thursday, Oct. 1 at 8 a.m. and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Assistance will be granted until all available funds are used.