New York state officials on Thursday officially requested an additional $1.6 billion aid package from the federal government for tenants and landlords struggling during the COVID pandemic. 

The request comes after New York's moratorium on evictions for people struggling financially during the pandemic expired earlier this month and eviction proceedings are underway in some housing courts. 

An emergency rental assistance program has expended all of its funds, but applying for aid can stave off an eviction. 

"We delivered nearly $1.4 billion for renters struggling from the pandemic, but we must do more. New York state continues to demonstrate a large need for this federal funding," Hochul said. "Our appeal to the treasury to reexamine its reallocation formula to prioritize high-tenant states like New York represents the latest in our continued and vigorous advocacy for those still reeling from the financial impact of the pandemic. We need to ensure that all eligible tenants and landlords are able to tap into this critical assistance."   

Hochul's $216 billion budget proposal also included a $2 billion pot of unallocated money that she has suggested could be used for additional pandemic-related relief efforts. 

New York had previously requested $996 million in additional funding from the federal government, which would aid about 70,000 applicants. So far, only an additional $27 million has been approved. If approved, the $1.4 billion would cover about 174,000 applications for assistance. 

"Unquestionably, there is significant unmet need for more rent relief in New York. Without substantial additional federal funding, tens of thousands of tenants will be left without assistance," said Daniel Tietz, the acting commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. "If fulfilled, this funding request to the Treasury Department will take a large step toward meeting this need and ensuring our state's rent relief program can continue to help struggling New Yorkers at risk of housing instability. Gov. Hochul has made this program a priority of her administration, which has placed New York State in prime position to receive additional funding reallocated by the federal government."