I.S. Saluja

MINEOLA, NY (TIP): In a letter on October 8 to Nassau residents, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said, “We got it done. After months of delay by the Legislative Majority, this week I was proud to sign into law the Household Assistance Program, which will be providing a direct one-time payment of $375 to up to 400,000 Nassau County homeowners and renters. Nassau County’s finances are in the best shape they have been in decades thanks to fiscal discipline by my Administration. This has allowed us to push funding from the American Rescue Plan back to our residents and businesses. These direct payments will not only help those who continue to struggle, but also provide a meaningful boost to our local economy. I encourage residents to spend this money in our main streets and support local businesses.”

Explaining how the money will reach the Nassau homeowners and renters, she said, “Here’s how it works: Households currently receiving Enhanced STAR, Disability & Limited Income, and/or Senior property tax exemptions will receive checks by mail automatically and do not need to file an application. All other households must file an application at NassauCountyNY.Gov/HAP in order to receive a HAP check.”

The income levels will determine the paperwork. Households making below $168,900 need only verify income and residency eligibility in their applications with a 2020 tax return. Households making between $168,900 and $500,000 will be required to submit an application with documentation verifying income and a negative economic impact from the pandemic, such as unemployment (e.g., receipt of unemployment benefits during 2020), food or housing insecurity (e.g., receipt of social services benefits, missed mortgage payments, utility arrears, eviction notices), unreimbursed medical bills (e.g., behavioral health costs brought on by the pandemic), increased child-care expenses, COVID 19-related death expenses or unreimbursed remote learning/work expenses including increased internet costs. The County Executive reiterated in her letter the commitment of the County to getting relief checks to eligible residents “in a safe and effective manner”.

Those with technology issues or who need in-person support will be able to make an appointment through Nassau County’s HAP Call Center beginning Tuesday October 12th by calling 516-571-1555. HAP Support Centers will be located at the Boost Nassau Resource Center, Eisenhower Park; 60 Charles Lindberg Blvd, Uniondale; 40 Main Street, Hempstead; and 1 West Street, Mineola. “Additional community outreach efforts will be initiated in the coming weeks to ensure eligible residents are aware of the program”, Laura said.