For many Arlington families, older adults, and households with disabilities, affordable housing support can make the difference between stability and uncertainty.

That’s why Arlington County is encouraging eligible households interested in the Housing Grants Program to apply now. Direct applications are now open and remain open through Sept. 30, 2026, but the application process will change this fall. Beginning in October, the program will move to a waitlist-based system for new admissions. 

The Housing Grants Program helps eligible households afford rental housing in an Arlington community they can call home. A County-funded program, the Arlington County Housing Grants Program provides a monthly housing grant to eligible households. These grants cover a portion of monthly rent, depending on household income, household size, and rent amount. As demand for assistance continues to grow, Arlington County is implementing a waitlist process designed to preserve the program for the long term while providing a fair and transparent path to future admissions.

For households that may qualify, the message is simple: Don’t wait. Apply before Sept. 30 while direct applications are still being accepted.

Starting Oct. 5, 2026, households seeking assistance will need to join a waitlist. Pre-applications for the waitlist will be accepted through Oct. 19, 2026. Unlike many housing programs, the process will not be first-come, first-served. Every completed application submitted during the registration period will have an equal chance of selection. An automated lottery will be used to select up to 500 households for placement on the waitlist.

Arlington County is also working to ensure households can access help throughout the waitlist registration process. Language assistance, disability accommodations, and additional support resources will be available. Beginning October 5, Arlington Public Library locations will also offer assistance to help households access information and complete waitlist pre-applications. 

The Housing Grants Program continues to serve eligible households, including older adults age 65 and older, working households with children under 18, and households that include a person who is totally and permanently disabled and receiving qualifying disability benefits.

Current program participants are not immediately affected by the new program changes. Residents who currently receive Housing Grant assistance may continue receiving support as long as they remain eligible and complete required annual recertification processes.

For households that may be eligible, applying before Sept. 30 could help avoid the uncertainty of a future waitlist and lottery process. To learn more about the Housing Grants Program, or to apply directly before Sept. 30, visit www.arlingtonva.us/housing-grants, email [email protected] or call 703-228-1350. To learn more about the October 2026 Waitlist, visit https://www.arlingtonva.us/Housing-Grant-Waitlist