If you are delinquent in your rent and have a COVID-related financial hardship, you should apply for the COVID-19 Rental Relief program.

• Hours reduced;
• Unable to work due to school or daycare closing;
• Furlough, lay-off;
• Lost income due to caring for a family member with COVID.

Eligibility                                                                  

• HOC participants

• Household Income at or below:
  • Family of one (1) - $63,000
  • Family of two (2) - $72,000
  • Family of three (3) - $81,000
  • Family of four (4) - $90,000

• Experienced a COVID related hardship (e.g., loss of income, reduced number of work hours, loss of childcare) resulting in unpaid rent.

• Have a delinquent rent balance

The maximum benefit allows is six months’ rent, excluding utilities and fees (late, parking, pet, etc.)

Yes, even if you already received COVID Rent Relief Program funds from another program, you are eligible to apply for additional funds from the this Program.

• Contact your Property Manager or Resident Counselor to obtain an application or download it from the HOC website.
• Complete the application and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the supporting documentation:
  • Self-certification of COVID- related hardship
  • Conflict Disclosure Form
  • If you have recertified between January 2022 and January 2023, no additional documentation MAY be needed
  • If you have NOT recertified between January 2022 and January 2023, only ONE of the following documents are required: Paystubs, Tax Return OR Bank Statement. 

• If you need assistance completing the application, Ssend an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request an in-person or virtual appointment

• Visit one of the following HOC service center locations:
  • HOC Gaithersburg Customer Service Center: 101 Lakeforest Blvd., #200, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
  • HOC Silver Spring Customer Service Center: 880 Bonifant Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910
  • HOC Main Office: 10400 Detrick Ave., Kensington, MD 20895

Yes, you can take pictures of the application and supporting documents and email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as long as they are legible.

Email applications to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by no later than March 27, 2023.

Staff will render a decision within 30-days from the time that HOC has received all documents.

No, HOC will not file in court for non-payment while your application is pending.

• Household did not experience a COVID related financial hardship.
• Household gross income exceeds the income limit.

Please contact your Property Manager or Resident Counselor for any updates regarding your application. You can send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Award of funds will go directly to your landlord to apply to your account.

The Application Packet includes:

• Application 
• Self-certification of COVID-related hardship
• Conflict Disclosure Form
• If you have recertified between January 2022 and January 2023, no additional documentation MAY be needed
• If you have NOT recertified between January 2022 and January 2023, only ONE of the following documents are required: Paystubs, Tax Return OR Bank Statement.

Yes, Housing Choice Voucher recipients can apply for this program, however, if approved, assistance will cover their rent portion only.