Human Services
Housing Grants
A Rental Subsidy Program for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Working Families with Children
The Housing Grant Program is a County-funded program that provides a housing subsidy to eligible needy persons.
The following are questions commonly asked about the Housing Grants Program.
Q. Who may be eligible?
A. Arlington County renters who are:
- 62 years or older
- Permanently disabled
- Clients and patients of a County-operated or County supported mental health program
- Working families with at least one child under 18 years of age
Q. When should I apply for a Housing Grant?
A. There may be certain times of the year when the program is full and not accepting new applications. Exceptions may be made for people who are residing in certain homeless shelters and transitional housing programs. Please call to find out the status of the program.
Q. Where can I apply?
A. You may apply at the office of the Bureau of Assistance Programs, 2100 Washington Blvd., 1st Floor, or call 703-228-1350 to have an application mailed to you.
Q. Do I need to reside in Arlington County to apply?
A. Yes. If you are not an Arlington County resident your application will be denied.
Q. If some of my household members are not legally in the United States can I get a grant?
A. Yes, however you will receive a reduced grant. If all household members (including yourself) are not legally in the United States, it is possible that you will not be eligible.
Q. How long does it take to receive benefits?
A. Eligible households will normally begin receiving benefits within 90 days from the date of application.
Q. How are Housing Grants paid?
A. The Housing Grant benefit is a two party check issued in your name and your landlord’s name. The check is mailed directly to you at the beginning of each month and must be endorsed by both you and your landlord.
Q. Must I have a lease to qualify for a Housing Grant?
A. Yes. You must have a lease in your name to qualify for the Housing Grants program. If you are looking for an apartment and need us to estimate the amount of the Housing Grant that you might be eligible to receive, please let us know. We will write a letter for you.
Q. Do I have to be renting a unit within a specific housing/apartment complex to be eligible for a Housing Grant?
A. No. The Housing Grants program is not limited to a specific housing/apartment complex.
Q. What are the income limits?
A. Maximum allowable gross income from all sources is as follows (effective 7/1/2011 however, depending on ages of household members and apartment rent, actual income limits may be less):
Household Size | Annual Income Limits |
1 | $31, 577 |
2 | $36, 083 |
3 | $40, 588 |
4 | $45, 093 |
5 | $48, 705 |
6 | $52, 318 |
7 | $55, 930 |
8 or more | $59, 543 |
Q. Whose income is considered?
A. The applicant’s income is considered, as well as the income of any person related to the applicant by blood or marriage.
Q. In order to qualify as a working family with children, how many hours per week must I be employed?
A. The head of a single parent household must be working either 20 or 30 hours per week depending on the age of the children. Two parent households must be working either 40 or 60 hours per week depending on the age of the children.
Q. Are there limitations on personal assets?
A. Yes. In order to qualify for the Housing Grants Program, personal assets may not exceed $35,000.
Q. How are personal assets defined?
A. Personal assets include, but are not limited to savings and checking accounts, stocks, bonds, IRAs, real estate and automobiles.
Q. Can I receive a Housing Grant if I am already receiving General Relief, Refugee Assistance or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)?
A. Persons receiving General Relief or Refugee Assistance are not eligible for Housing Grants. Persons receiving TANF are not eligible for Housing Grants benefits unless the head of the TANF household is:
- working a minimum of 60 hours per month, or
- enrolled in, and scheduled to complete within four months, a job training program approved by the Department of Human Services.
Q. Will the Housing Grant pay my entire rent?
A. No. The Housing Grant will pay only a part of your rent. The amount of the Housing Grant depends on your income, household size, and rent.
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Information on Housing Grants
