County residents who rent their housing and have been financially affected by the pandemic may be eligible to now apply for additional funds providing rent relief, officials announced.
The county has entered the third phase of the COVID Rent Relief Program with an additional $59 million on top of $21 million already dedicated to the funding by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the economic wellbeing of our poorest and most vulnerable renters and we must do everything in our power to keep them in their homes,” said County Executive Marc Elrich in a press release. “This third phase of rental relief funds will help as we continue to make sure more money is on the way to these families.”
The program is being administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. Applicants may file for assistance online for up to $12,000 for back rent and/or three months of future rent for those who qualify.
They must “certify that the household has income under a certain amount; has lost income due to COVID-19; is behind in payment of at least $1,000 in rent; and that they have been a resident of Montgomery County since August 2020,” according to the announcement.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis as long as funding is available.
Residents without internet access, or those needing assistance with the application, can call 240.777.0311 for help.
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