All individuals who receive Unemployment Insurance in New York State will receive information about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Mortgage and Rental Assistance Program (MRA) and its upcoming application deadline, it was announced today by US Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and the New York State Department of Labor. Information about the program will be included in all unemployment checks sent out by the state.

"My constituent services staff is still receiving calls from MRA-eligible residents who have only recently discovered the program," said Rep. Nadler. "As such, with the deadline looming, the relatively high jobless rate across the nation, and the recent news that Unemployment Insurance will not be extended to those who have exhausted their benefits, it is in the public interest that the maximum number of individuals who may be eligible for MRA be made aware of its existence. I applaud the New York State Department of Labor for heeding my call so quickly, and urge New Yorkers to contact FEMA about this program."

State Labor Commissioner Linda Angello said, “Governor Pataki has made a wide variety of resources available to New Yorkers adversely affected by the World Trade Center disaster, providing thousands with much needed aid. One of the most worthwhile resources available is the Mortgage Rental Assistance Program. By providing information to claimants about the MRA Program in this cost-effective and creative way, thousands may be given the opportunity to participate in this endeavor. This is just one of the many ways the State Labor Department continues to work hard for the benefit of New Yorkers affected by this tragedy.”

Thousands of people in the state will receive notice about the MRA program via unemployment checks, starting today. They will be directed to call FEMA at 1-800-462-9029.

The MRA program has been one of the most successful post-disaster relief programs for economically impacted households in New York. The MRA program provides mortgage and rental assistance in the form of a payment equal to an applicant's monthly rent or mortgage payment for up to 18 months, provided that one proves an income loss of at least 25% that was a result of the September 11th attacks, as well as difficulty meeting rent or mortgage payment(s).

Rep. Nadler has served in Congress since 1992. He represents the 8th Congressional District of New York, which includes parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn - including the site of the World Trade Center and its surrounding areas.