The fourth phase of Montgomery County’s COVID-19 rent relief program has reopened and is now accepting applications from eligible renters who either did not fully complete their previously submitted application or want to submit a new application for review.
The previous deadline to submit applications was June 30 for the program that provides financial assistance for tenants who have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The program is administered by the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
“I am pleased to announce the reopening of the rental relief program,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We have additional funds to distribute, and we know that the need for this assistance has not gone away. The impact of this pandemic will be with us for quite some time, so I urge eligible residents who are in need to not delay and apply today.”
The rent relief program launched in May 2020 and as of July 24, had distributed $79.1 million in financial assistance. Funding for the fourth phase was provided by U.S. Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance funds in direct allocations to the County and as a sub-grantee to the State of Maryland.
Based on the number of applications received to date for the fourth phase, it is anticipated that there will be additional funds within the program to support eligible residents. Applications will continue to be processed based on priority factors including income, eviction risk and geographic location.
Visit www.mc311.com/rentrelief to apply online or log into an existing account to continue a previously started application.
If someone previously registered to set up an online account or started an application before the prior deadline, they can log into their account to continue completing the application. There is no need to submit another application. Only submitted applications will be reviewed for assistance.
Residents who have already applied can check the status of their application through the online portal. DHHS continues to process cases daily. Once a case is assigned, applicants will be contacted by an assigned case worker via email, mail or telephone.
An email address is needed to complete an application. If someone does not have an email address, it is strongly encouraged that they set one up or connect with the property manager/landlord who can apply on their behalf. People in households without internet access or who need assistance completing the application should call 311 (240-777-0311) to get connected with County staff or partners for assistance in completing an application.
Renters facing an immediate loss of housing should call 311 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. to be connected with DHHS’ Housing Stabilization Services. More information about the rent relief program is available at www.mc311.com/rentrelief.
