Housing Grant Program Changes Coming October 2026
Effective October 2026, new admissions to the Housing Grant Program will be managed through a waitlist process. Learn more about upcoming changes on our Housing Grant Waitlist page.
Eligible households interested in applying are encouraged to submit applications while new admissions are being accepted through September 30, 2026.
The Arlington County Housing Grant Program is a County-funded program that provides a monthly housing grant to eligible households. These grants cover a portion of monthly rent, depending on household income, household size and rent amount.
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, and personal assets may not exceed $35,000.
For additional guidance, see Housing Grant - Administrative Regulations(PDF, 1MB)
This program serves Arlington renters who meet one or more of the following criteria:
Income Guidelines
Maximum allowable gross income from all sources is as follows (however, depending on ages of household members and apartment rent, actual income limits may be less):
| Household size |
Annual Income Limit (Effective May 4, 2026) |
| 1 |
$49,428
|
| 2 |
$56,483
|
| 3 |
$63,538
|
| 4 |
$70,593
|
| 5 |
$76,245
|
| 6 |
$81,898
|
| 7 |
$87,550
|
| 8 |
$93,203
|
Download the Housing Grant Application in English(PDF, 554KB) or Spanish(PDF, 292KB).
Department of Human Services
2100 Washington Blvd., 3rd floor
Arlington, VA 22204
Phone: 703-228-1350
TTY: 711
For more information or an application, you can contact the Housing Grant Program via email DHSHG@arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-1350.
After you apply for a Housing Grant: If you are looking for an apartment and need an estimate the amount of the Housing Grant that you may be eligible for, let us know. If you have given us enough information, we will write a letter for you. This letter may help you qualify for an apartment.
Are there limitations on personal assets?
Yes, personal assets may not exceed $35,000.
How are personal assets defined?
Personal assets include, but are not limited to, savings and checking accounts, stocks, bonds, IRAs, real estate, and vehicles.
How are Housing Grants paid?
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. You must submit it to your landlord along with your share of the rent.
Will the Housing Grant pay my entire rent?
No, the Housing Grant will pay only a part of your rent. The amount of your Housing Grant depends on your income, household size, and rent.
Do I need a lease to qualify for a Housing Grant?
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, contact us. If you provide enough information, we will write a letter for you.
Where do I have to live to get a Housing Grant?
You must rent an apartment or a home in Arlington County. Maximum allowable rent limits apply.
Your residence must have its own entrance, kitchen and bathroom. It must be a separate taxable housing unit recognized under Arlington County’s Real Estate Code. It cannot, for example, be a room or set of rooms in someone’s home. If you have questions about a specific rental unit, contact us at 703-228-1350 for more information.
If some of my household members are not legally in the United States, can I get a grant?
Yes, however at least one household member must have established legal presence in the United States. The program will reduce the grant amount received for household members without established legal presence. If all adult household members (including yourself) are not legally in the United States, it is possible that you will not be eligible.
Do I have to rent a unit within a specific apartment complex to be eligible?
No, the Housing Grants program is not limited to a specific housing/apartment complex.
Whose income is considered?
Income from the following people are considered:
- The applicant
- Any person related to the applicant by blood or marriage
- Cohabitants.
Each adult person in the household must earn at least minimum wage for each job held.
To qualify as a working family with children, is there a minimum income requirement?
Yes, there are minimum income requirements.
- Single parent or guardian households must be earning at least $325 per week.
- Two parent or guardian households must be earning at least $650 per week.
These minimum earned income limits are subject to change based on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s minimum wage increases. The current minimum wage in the Commonwealth of Virginia is $12.77/hour. Learn more on the Department of Labor's website.
What is the work requirement for able-bodied adult household members?
Able-bodied, adult household members who are younger than age 65 and the not parents in a working family household must earn at least current Virginia minimum wage multiplied by 25 per week per adult household member.
There are some exceptions made for adults who are full-time students, or who are caring for disabled household members ages 65 and older, or the only household member available to provide day care for household members aged 12 or younger. Please call if you need more information.
Can I receive a Housing Grant if I am already receiving General Relief (GR), Refugee Assistance or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)?
Persons receiving GR 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.
Document Checklist
Download the Housing Grant Checklist (English)(PDF, 156KB)
Download the Housing Grant Checklist (Spanish)(PDF, 129KB)