Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County
Kensington, Maryland
Last Updated
14 hours ago
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are placed on HOC's waitlist. The average waiting time to be selected is 6.5 years. Applications must be renewed every two years. 75% of applications selected must be from families whose gross income does not exceed 30% of AMI.
Mainstream Voucher Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Mainstream Disabled Vouchers are mentioned as set-asides within the HCV program for households with a disabled family member. The application process would follow the HCV process, with selection based on specific criteria for this population.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
One Housing Path application registers an individual for all HOC rental programs, including Project-Based Vouchers. Preferences may include living or working in Montgomery County.
Public Housing Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
To be eligible for HOC housing assistance and to rent at an HOC property, individuals and families must create an account in the Housing Path Portal and complete an application. Preferences may include living or working in Montgomery County.
RSP Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
One Housing Path application registers for all rental programs offered by HOC.
Rent Supplement Program Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Rent Supplement Program (RSP) is accessible through the HOC Housing Path Portal. One Housing Path application registers an individual for all HOC rental programs, including the Rent Supplement Program.
Rent Supplement Program (RSP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
One Housing Path application registers an individual for all of HOC's rental programs, including the Rent Supplement Program.
Other Programs
5 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
Program referrals are made by the Montgomery County, Maryland Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System (CES). Referrals must be homeless and have a documented disability.
This program is not open for direct applications; referrals are made by the Montgomery County, Maryland Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System (CES). Referrals must be homeless and have a documented disability.
This program is not open for applications; referrals are made by the Montgomery County, Maryland Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System (CES) for homeless individuals with documented disabilities.
This waiting list is for Other Project Based rental housing assistance in Montgomery County, Maryland. Applications were last accepted from August 18, 2020, until August 31, 2020. Qualifications: Montgomery County resident for a minimum of six (6) of the past 12 months; loss of income or unexpect...
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County
Check Current Status
Before applying, verify that the waiting list is currently open. Housing authorities only accept applications during designated open periods, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The status at the top of this page is updated nightly.
Gather Required Documents
Most PHAs require: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all household members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list, keep your contact information updated with the PHA. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Wait times vary from 6 months to over 5 years depending on demand. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs Offered at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for your area. Vouchers are portable, meaning you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Mainstream
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher
Project-Based Vouchers are attached to specific apartment complexes or units. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Public Housing Public Housing
Public Housing units are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Units range from apartments to townhomes and are maintained by the PHA. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
RSP
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Rent Supplement Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Rent Supplement Program (RSP)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PSH
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Permanent Supportive Housing
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Permanent Supportive Housing Programs (PSH)
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Rental Assistance Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
RAD
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County free?
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Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
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Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $81,950. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $34,450 | $57,400 | $74,800 |
| 2 Persons | $39,350 | $65,600 | $85,450 |
| 3 Persons | $44,250 | $73,800 | $96,150 |
| 4 Persons | $49,150 | $81,950 | $106,800 |
| 5 Persons | $53,100 | $88,550 | $115,350 |
| 6 Persons | $57,050 | $95,100 | $123,900 |
| 7 Persons | $60,950 | $101,650 | $132,450 |
| 8 Persons | $64,900 | $108,200 | $141,000 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County — including across state lines.