Having a stable place to live can make a huge difference when it comes to a person’s health, finances, and overall well-being. That’s why Arlington County is making updates to the Housing Grants Program that are designed to keep this important resource available for eligible community members now and in the years ahead.

Beginning October 2026, new admissions to the Housing Grants Program will be managed through a waitlist process. The change is intended to help keep the program financially sustainable while continuing to provide housing support to community members who qualify.

The most important thing current participants should know is this: they will not lose assistance because of the waitlist change alone. Participants may continue receiving support as long as they remain eligible and meet program requirements.

What Does This Mean for Arlingtonians Today?
For most community members, no action is required at this time. However, households that may be eligible for the Housing Grants Program are encouraged to apply while new admissions remain open through September 30, 2026. Additional information about the future waitlist registration process will be shared before the pre-registration period opens in October.

The upcoming waitlist will create a fair and transparent way to manage future admissions when demand is greater than available funding, helping ensure the program remains available to eligible households over the long term.

Who Can Qualify for the Housing Grants Program?
The Housing Grants Program continues to serve eligible Arlington households, including:

• Seniors age 65 and older

• Working households with children under age 18

• Households that include a person who is totally and permanently disabled and receiving qualifying disability benefits

As part of recent program updates, households applying under the disability category must be deemed totally and permanently disabled and provide documentation showing receipt of qualifying disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Community members who may qualify are encouraged to apply before September 30, 2026, while admissions remain open.

Support Will Be Available Every Step of the Way
The Department of Human Services is preparing additional resources to help community members understand changes and access support. Updated information, application guidance, and answers to frequently asked questions will be added to the Housing Grants Program website.

The Department is also working with Arlington Public Library locations to provide additional assistance. Library staff will be trained to help community members access information and complete applications when the new process launches. Language assistance and disability accommodations will also be available.

While some parts of the Housing Grants Program are changing, Arlington County’s commitment to housing stability and equity remains the same. For now, current participants can continue receiving assistance if they remain eligible, and households interested in the program are encouraged to learn more and apply before September 30, 2026, while new admissions are still being accepted.

Want to learn more about the Housing Grants Program? Visit www.arlingtonva.us/housing-grants or call the Arlington County Department of Human Services at 703-228-1350.