The Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance program (ERMA) provides up to $75,000 in grant assistance for qualified New Jersey homeowners struggling with homeowner-related expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible, applicants must have fallen behind on mortgage, property tax, or association payments after January 2020.

Applying for HAF/ERMA and Eligibility

• Visit the ERMA website: www.njerma.com.
• Call NJHMFA, 609-278-7400.
• Email NJHMFA at [email protected].

How HAF/ERMA funds can be used

ERMA funds can be used to:

• Repay mortgage debt and bring the mortgage to “current” on payments.
• Pay the next four mortgage payments.
• Pay non-mortgage costs such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, condominium or homeowner association arrears, assessments, and liens.
• Pay a combination of unpaid mortgage debt, mortgage payments, or costs.

ERMA funds will not be available for utility payments because programs are already in place to help with those bills, like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For more information about LIHEAP, call 1-800-510-3102.​​​

This information last reviewed: Nov 1, 2022