Arlington County Department of Human Services
Arlington, Virginia
Last Updated
10 hours ago
Other Programs
9 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.
The waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher program was open from September 13-23, 2023. A lottery selected 5,000 applicants with preferences for Arlington residents/workers, unhoused individuals, victims of domestic violence, and people with qualifying disabilities.
Mainstream vouchers are for non-elderly persons with disabilities and are deployed to applicants currently on the closed HCV waiting list.
This program provides rental assistance to low-income Arlington residents. Eligibility includes meeting income requirements, and preferences are given to those 65 or older, disabled, or working families with a child under 18, residing in Arlington.
Applicants for Project-Based Vouchers must be on the closed Housing Choice Voucher Program waitlist.
Arlington County Department of Human Services is not currently accepting applications for any waiting lists.
Family Unification Program is administered by AHCVP, but no specific waiting list status information is available.
No specific waiting list information found for Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs administered by Arlington County Department of Human Services.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program is administered by AHCVP, but no specific waiting list status information is available.
Information regarding the waiting list status for the Housing Grants program is not currently available. For additional information, contact the Department of Human Services at 703-228-1350.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Arlington County Department of Human Services 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 Arlington County Department of Human Services
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 Arlington County Department of Human Services 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 Arlington County Department of Human Services
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 Arlington County Department of Human Services directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Arlington County Department of Human Services 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.
FUP
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Arlington County Department of Human Services 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 Arlington County Department of Human Services directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Arlington County Department of Human Services directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
other
This program provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Contact Arlington County Department of Human Services directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Arlington County Department of Human Services free?
How long is the wait at Arlington County Department of Human Services?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Arlington County Department of Human Services?
Arlington County Department of Human Services Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Arlington County Department of Human Services 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 Arlington County Department of Human Services — including across state lines.