WHAT ARE THE INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SECURITY DEPOSIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM?
To be eligible for the program, an applicant must meet one of the following conditions: 1) the applicant is a current recipient of some form of welfare, including Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Diversion, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA), General Assistance (GA), Refugee Assistance, Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD), or Food Stamps, Safety Net, or Medicaid, or 2) the annual gross income of the applicant household does not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (see your local DSS office for specific details). HOW ARE BENEFITS PAID? There is an agreement with the landlord that DSS will guarantee payment of the agreed-upon security deposit, in part or in whole, if the tenant moves out of the apartment and there is any damage caused by the tenant which requires repair, or if the tenant owes back rent. The landlord must submit a claim for payment within 30 days after the family moves out of the unit.
