MINEOLA, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Nassau County Executive Laura Curran on Wednesday signed legislation that will provide pandemic relief funds directly to homeowners and renters in the area.
Under the plan, which was proposed by Curran in late July, the county will use federal pandemic relief funs to send payments of up to $375 to 400,000 residents.
“As County Executive, I’ve been committed to delivering relief to Nassau residents and businesses as we continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic,” Curran said in a statement. “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.”
The money will be sent as a one-time, direct payment to Nassau households with a total income of up to $168,900. Those with incomes above $168,900, and up to $500,000, may be considered if they can prove significant financial hardship caused by the pandemic.
Residents can apply for the pandemic assistance by visiting NassauCountyNY.gov/BoostNassau.
Curran is encouraging residents to use the money to support local small businesses and other industries across Long Island.
“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,” the county executive said.
New York Sen. Chuck Schumer is also hoping the payments will be used to boost the local economy.
“I fought hard to deliver over $380 million in COVID relief aid to Nassau County, and I’m glad that County Executive Laura Curran is putting some of this money directly back into the pockets of residents who have experienced a challenging 18-months due to the pandemic,” he said. “Through County Executive Curran’s Household Assistance Program, individuals and families across Nassau can use these payments to pay tuition, make long-delayed home repairs, support local restaurants and businesses, and more.”
After months of delay by the Legislature, the Household Assistance Program was approved in a 18-1 vote on Tuesday.