S3260

An Act concerning certain emergency assistance benefits and amending P.L.1997, c.14.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. Section 8 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51) is amended to read as follows:

8. a. Emergency assistance shall be provided only to recipients of Work First New Jersey and persons receiving Supplemental Security Income pursuant to P.L.1973, c.256 (C.44:7-85 et seq.) in emergent situations, as determined by the commissioner, for up to 12 cumulative months; except that:

(1) the commissioner may provide for an extension of emergency assistance for up to six additional months to an assistance unit with dependent children, if the commissioner determines that a case of extreme hardship exists. The commissioner shall review each such case on a monthly basis during the six-month period and shall continue the emergency assistance only if the commissioner determines, based upon the monthly review, that the extreme hardship continues to exist. If the extreme hardship continues to exist at the end of the six-month period, the commissioner may provide an additional six months of emergency assistance to no more than 10% of those assistance units with dependent children which are receiving temporary rental assistance under the emergency assistance component of the program, based upon the most current data available; and

(2) the commissioner may provide for an extension of emergency assistance for up to six additional months to no more than 10% of single adults and couples without dependent children who are receiving temporary rental assistance under the emergency assistance component of the program, if the commissioner determines that a case of extreme hardship exists. The commissioner shall review each such case on a monthly basis during the six-month period and shall continue the emergency assistance only if the commissioner determines, based upon the monthly review, that the extreme hardship continues to exist.

Any form of emergency assistance provided pursuant to this section shall count toward the maximum period of emergency assistance allowed.

b. A person receiving emergency assistance shall contribute from the person's income toward the payment of all emergency shelter arrangements, including temporary housing and temporary rental assistance, in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner. As a condition of receipt of emergency assistance, a person shall be required to take all reasonable steps to end the person's dependency on emergency assistance and take all other actions required by the commissioner.

c. The commissioner shall adopt regulations to establish classifications for hotel or motel per diem rates in accordance with the level of enhanced services provided at a participating hotel or motel.

d. The provisions of this section shall apply to a person who receives general public assistance pursuant to P.L.1947, c.156 (C.44:8-107 et seq.) after the effective date of this act and is subsequently transferred directly into the Work First New Jersey program.

e. In addition to any other types of emergency assistance as defined in regulations and promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to this section, temporary rental assistance may be provided to a recipient, if appropriate for the individual or family situation, when the recipient is facing eviction and conditions in paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection are met:

(1) Temporary rental assistance may be provided to maintain current permanent housing which had previously been affordable, but which is no longer affordable to the recipient for reasons including, but not limited to, loss of employment and temporary unemployment or underemployment; or

(2) Temporary rental assistance may be provided when it is determined that maintaining the unit in the current housing arrangement is both the least costly alternative and serves to preserve the family structure while the search for affordable housing continues.

(cf: P.L.1997, c.14, s.8)

2. The Commissioner of Human Services, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations as the commissioner determines necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.

3. This act shall take effect on the first day of the seventh month following the date of enactment.

STATEMENT

This bill would provide for temporary rental assistance for individuals who are eligible for emergency assistance and need financial assistance to stay in their own home, due to temporary conditions.

Specifically, if an individual who is eligible for emergency assistance, is facing eviction due to temporary conditions, the individual can receive temporary rental assistance. Temporary rental assistance may be provided to maintain current permanent housing which had previously been affordable, but which is no longer affordable to the recipient for reasons including, but not limited to, loss of employment and temporary unemployment or underemployment. Additionally, temporary rental assistance may be provided when it is determined that maintaining the unit in the current housing arrangement is both the least costly alternative and serves to preserve the family structure while the search for affordable housing continues.

By providing funding for eligible individuals to stay in their current residence, the State can prevent unnecessary homelessness, maintain the family unit, and be fiscally responsible.