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HOCHousingPath.com Frequently Asked Questions


What is the HOCHousingPath.com?
HOCHousingPath.com is a one-stop application website for all Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) affordable housing programs.

What's new about the HOCHousingPath.com?
There are several important differences:
• The wait list is now all-electronic. Sign up online and manage your application online.
• Selection from the wait list is by date/time stamp, preference points, and previous applicant eligibility for those who were on HOC’s former public housing wait list. Applicants will be matched with opportunities roughly in the order they are received, based on household size, income and available openings across all HOC rental programs.
• The wait list remains open all year round, with no closing date. Previously, HOC wait lists would close following a one or two week application period.

• There is a single application to complete for all HOC rental programs. Previously, there were separate applications to complete for each program.

When did the wait list open?
HOC opened the wait list on August 24. There was an advance opening for seniors and people with disabilities on July 30. 

Who can apply to the wait list?
HOC’s wait list is open to everyone.

What are the requirements to apply?
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age. There are no income restrictions for applicants.

Do applicants need to live in Montgomery County to apply?
No. Applicants do not have to live in Montgomery County to apply; however, those who live, work or have notice of work in Montgomery County will have preference.

How are applicants chosen?
Applicants are matched to an appropriate housing program based on the information in the application, such as household size, income, preferences and program availability.

How will applicants know if they are selected to participate in a program?
If an applicant meets any qualifications for assistance, he/ she will receive an email notification when they are selected. It is important that you maintain accurate contact information and update your application as necessary.

How long will it be open? Is there a deadline to apply?
HOC will keep the wait list open indefinitely. There is no closing date.

How much does it cost to apply?
There is no cost to apply for HOC’s housing wait list.

How long is the wait to get housing once someone applies?
The wait will vary based on unit availability, household income, applicant preferences and other factors. There is no time limit or average wait time for selection.

How do people apply?
HOC will have an all-electronic application. People must register at www.HOCHousingPath.com using an email address before proceeding to the application.

Where do I apply? What if I don't have internet access?
If you have internet access, you are able to apply on the wait list website from any connected computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet. If you do not have access to a computer or the Internet, public computers are available at the Montgomery County Public Libraries.


Application stations are also available at all HOC offices:  Click here to see office locations.

What information do I need to apply?
You will need the following information available to complete the online application:
• Email address
• Household information including size and member names, birth dates, etc.
• Any applicable income sources (ex. salary, social security benefits, child support, etc.)
• Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN Number
• Contact information including address and phone number

What happens after I apply?
As opportunities for affordable housing are made available, applicants will be matched to HOC programs based on qualifications. If an applicant is successfully matched with an opening, HOC staff will contact the applicant to proceed to the next step in obtaining housing assistance.

Will I be contacted after I apply?
After you apply online, you will receive an email or text message on your phone notifying you that your application has been submitted to HOC. HOC will contact applicants when they have been selected to participate.

If an applicant has a disability, will someone help them apply?
Yes. Staff are available at all application stations to assist people and provide assistance.

How can people who don’t own a computer apply? Will there be paper applications?
There are no paper applications for the HOC wait list. All applications must be submitted online. Staff are on hand to assist anyone who needs help. Applicants may also wish to bring a family member to assist.

Will the application be available in different languages?
At this time, the website allows users to select English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, and Portuguese at any time during the application process. Applicants who do not speak any of the previously listed languages can call HOC’s wait list hotline: (240) 627-9400 to request translation assistance or choose to bring a family member or friend to assist in completing the application.

Can someone else apply for assistance on my behalf?
If a person is unable to complete the application, he/ she can designate a proxy, such as a caseworker or family member to complete the application and to receive updates on managing the application.

Do I need an email address?
Yes. An email address is required to register, complete and receive updates about the wait list and your application. If you don’t have an email address, trained staff can assist you in creating an email address.

Do I get a position number after I apply?
No, however applicants will receive a reference number after submission.

How do I update my information?
You may manage your application at any time by signing on to the web site and saving changes. It is essential that you update your contact information if it changes and that you renew your application once per year to indicate that you are still interested in participating in HOC programs.

Can my case worker assist me with filling out the wait list application?
Yes. A caseworker can complete your application with your permission. The application will ask whether a case worker assisted you and, if so, the case worker’s name will need to be included.