6.4.2020 Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Rent Relief Program
The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program provide short term rental assistance to households who have experienced a financial loss due to the COVID- 19 pandemic that has caused them to fall behind on their rent. Financial assistance is available to pay back rent that is due, as well as provide additional support for up to three months. Assistance is also available to cover the costs of security deposits, first month's rent, and limited monthly assistance for households exiting homelessness. The program is funded through a $3.5 million supplemental appropriation to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to help residents.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I am struggling to pay my rent, is there assistance available?
If you are behind on your rent, assistance may be available through the Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) Housing Stabilization Services. This includes regular services and COVID-19 specific programs. To speak with a case worker, start calling 311 (240-777-0311) or complete a service request. A case worker will call you back to review your eligibility.
I applied for the COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program--is this the same program?
No, the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program is separate and different than the COVIC-19 Rental Assistance Program. This program is administered through DHHS' Housing Stabilization Services. The amount of the benefit is determined on a case-by-case basis, and eligibility guidelines are different (see below). The COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program is administered by the Housing Opportunities Commission, and has its own eligibity guidelines. If you think you may be eligible for the COVID--19 Rent Relief Program, based on the eligibility, call 311 or complete a service request.
I have an agreement with a friend to pay for some of the household expenses, but do not have my own lease, am I still eligible for assistance?
Yes, you may still be eligible for assistance if you have an informal lease. Call 311 (240-777-0311) or complete a service request. A case worker will call you back to review your eligibility.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Full eligibility will be determined by Housing Stabilization staff. You will be required to confirm that you have been a Montgomery County resident since at least February 2020 and that your income is below 40% of the Area Median Income (see chart below). Limited funds are available for families making up to 60% of AMI -- if you feel you fall into that category, please submit a service request. Additionally, if you are already in a unit, you must be spending more than 50% of your income on rent.
|
Family |
Maximum Annual Household Income 40% AMI |
Maximum Annual Household Income 60% AMI |
|
1 |
$34,000 |
$51,000 |
|
2 |
$38,840 |
$58,260 |
|
3 |
$43,680 |
$65,529 |
|
4 |
$48,520 |
$72,780 |
|
5 |
$52,440 |
$78,660 |
|
6 |
$56,320 |
$84,480 |
|
7 |
$60,200 |
$90,300 |
|
8 |
$64,080 |
$96,120 |
How much are you able to provide?
Grants will be specific to each household and range between $300-$4000 payable over 3-4 months.
Will I have to report this money on my 2020 taxes?
No, in most cases the grant goes directly to the property owner as a credit against your rent bill.
What documents do I need?
Documents are needed to verify identity, income, residence, back due rent, and ongoing rent responsibility. Additionally, households that may be eligible for unemployment must show that they have applied or attempted to apply.
Do you require a social security number as part of the application ?
Social Security Numbers are not required. A photo ID will be required.
Will accepting this assistance be counted as public charge?
DHHS is not a legal authority on public charge, We would recommend you contact the following legal resources if you have a concern :
Protecting Immigrant Families
Gilchrist Center
Maryland Health Connection
One Nation AAPI (frequently asked questions in Spanish & multiple Asian languages)
Justice in Aging
I was able to pay my rent up until now, but do not think I will be able to pay next month, can I get help?
Unfortunately, this program is only available to households behind on their rent. If you find yourself in that position, please call again at that point.
I received assistance from the County within the past year for eviction prevention or security deposit/first month's rent. Am I still eligible for this help?
Yes, the standard 12-month benefit cap has been waived during this public health emergency. If you meet the other eligibility requirements, you may still receive a benefit.
Will I have to pay this money back?
No, this is not a loan. You will not have to pay the County back.
My landlord says I need to leave immediately if I cannot pay everything in full. W here am I a supposed to go?
Only a sheriff, with a court order can evict you. Please reach out to Landlord and Tenant Affairs at
240-77-0311 and the Police Department non -emergency line at 301-279-8000. A d ditional information is available on the DHCA COVID-19 website .
