Emergency Financial Assistance

Program Description

Effective July 1, 2025, the annual assistance cap per household will remain at $3,000. Additionally, limited funds will be established.  Once the monthly funding limit is reached, no further requests will be accepted, and the assistance portal will close until the first day of the following month.

• Provides assistance with rent, utility, or eligible medical expenses. Maximum $3000 per calendar year.
• Payment is made to the business, not to the applicant.
• A Department of Human Services Clinician will assess to determine eligibility. Assessment is required.
• Assessment will be completed once all necessary documents have been received.
  
  

Ways to Apply

Call 703-228-1300

Apply in person at the Customer Service Center:

Department of Human Services - Sequoia Plaza
2100 Washington Boulevard, 1st Floor
Arlington, VA 22204

• Download our Emergency Financial Assistance Process Flyer in English(PDF, 224KB)
• Download our Emergency Financial Assistance Process Flyer in Spanish
  
  (PDF, 240KB)

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Proof of Tenancy

• Provide a valid lease or a completed Shelter Verification Form (must be filled out by the landlord and notarized) in the applicant’s name, or other official documentation confirming a landlord-tenant relationship for the past 6 months.  
• The lease must have been signed at least six months prior to the date of the assistance request and must be in the name of the individual applying for assistance.
• Rent Reasonableness Requirement The monthly rent must be at or below 150% of the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the unit size, as defined by HUD. Reference: FY 2025 Fair Market Rent (FMR) Documentation System — Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Learn more about FMR.

2. Demonstrated Financial Hardship

• Submit documentation showing the reason for non-payment of rent, such as loss or reduction of income, illness, or other qualifying hardships that resulted in a lack of income.

3. Income Eligibility

• Gross household income must be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), based on income from the past 90 days.
• Provide income documentation for the last 30 days for all household members. Acceptable documents include pay stubs, employment verification letters, bank statements, and Social Security award letters.

4. Proof of Housing Instability

• Submit a current 5-Day Pay or Quit Notice, late rent notice, or formal eviction notice.
  
  

Monthly Income Limits

Effective 8/21/2019

Documents

• CCP Services Application (Spanish)
• CCP Services Application (English)
• Multiparty Release Form (English)(PDF, 154KB)
• Multiparty Release Form (Spanish)(PDF, 346KB)
• CAS Intake Requirements (English) (Check List)
• CAS intake requirements (Spanish) (Check list)
• Shelter and Residence Expense Verification
• CAS Policies and Procedures