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For Maryland residents facing financial hardship, the search for rental assistance can feel overwhelming, especially when looking for information on the erap maryland program. While the large-scale federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has changed, aid for rent and utilities is still available through various state and local channels.
The system has evolved from a single, broad program to a network of targeted funds, tax credits, and county-specific initiatives. The goal is to provide a clear path through these options, helping Marylanders find and apply for the assistance they need to maintain housing stability.
The Evolution of Federal ERAP Funding
The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program was a temporary, emergency measure from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It was created to prevent evictions and housing instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over $46 billion was distributed nationwide, funding more than 10 million assistance payments.
In Maryland, these funds were managed by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and distributed through local partners. However, ERAP was never meant to be permanent. The federal funds have been largely used or reallocated, causing many original application portals to close. For example, the Strategic Targeted Eviction Prevention (STEP) Program in the Greater Baltimore area distributed nearly $100 million before it ended in April 2024.
Critical Update: The New Reality for Accessing Local ERAP Funds
The most significant change for Marylanders is the new, restrictive criteria for accessing any remaining local ERAP funds. For the few counties still operating a program under the ERAP name, general financial hardship is often no longer enough to qualify. The new trigger is typically an active, court-filed eviction.
This means a tenant often needs a formal court summons, a court-ordered judgment, or a warrant of restitution to apply. This marks a fundamental shift from ERAP's original goal of prevention to a new model of crisis intervention. This difficult situation forces tenants to wait until their housing crisis escalates to a legal proceeding before they can get help, making legal advice an essential part of seeking rental assistance.
Support for rental assistance in Maryland is now primarily handled at the local level. Each county has its own system, program status, and eligibility rules. The table below provides a quick overview of the situation in Maryland's most populous jurisdictions.
Maryland Rental Assistance at a Glance by County (2025 Status)
| County | Program Name/Status | Key Requirement for Application | Official Link/Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince George's County | ERAP Portal Restricted | Active, court-filed eviction document (summons, judgment, or warrant) required. | (https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/community/housing/housing--community-development/programs/emergency-rental-assistance-program) |
| Baltimore City | Rental Assistance Program | Portal opens and closes based on funding. Check status frequently. | bmorechildren.com/assistance |
| Montgomery County | Housing Path Portal | Centralized waitlist for multiple long-term and supplemental programs (HCV, RSP, etc.). | HOCHousingPath.comHOCHousingPath.com |
| Anne Arundel County | Housing Resource Portal | Decentralized network of government and community partner organizations. | (https://www.aacounty.org/housing-resource-portal) |
| Baltimore County | Supportive Housing Programs | Most waiting lists closed. Limited openings for specific Project-Based Voucher properties. | (https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/housing/housing-programs) |
Prince George's County: Navigating the ERAP Portal
Prince George's County clearly illustrates the new reality for ERAP funds. Since May 1, 2024, the county's Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has restricted its ERAP application portal to households with an active, court-filed eviction.
To be eligible, an applicant must submit a copy of their court summons, a judgment for possession, or a warrant of restitution. The county prioritizes applications based on income and the severity of the legal action:
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, as all are subject to federal eligibility rules and funding availability. For application assistance, contact Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP) at (301) 699-3835. For other questions, call the ERAP Call Center at (301) 883-6504, option 9.
Baltimore City: A System of Partners and Portals
In Baltimore City, rental assistance is managed by the Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success (MOCFS) and its Community Action Partnership (BCCAP) Centers. The city's central online portal for its Rental Assistance Program opens and closes based on funding.
As of early 2025, the portal is closed to new applications. Residents should monitor the official website, bmorechildren.com/assistance, for updates on re openings. When open, the program typically helps with past-due rent and security deposits. The five BCCAP centers are also key resources for information and assistance.
Other city programs, like the Emergency Mortgage & Housing Assistance Program (EMHAP), may also help renters under specific circumstances, provided they can show they can maintain future payments. For any housing crisis, calling 2-1-1 or a local CAP Center at 410-396-5555 is the best first step.
Montgomery County: The Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) Waitlist
Montgomery County uses a centralized, long-term approach through the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC). The Housing Path Portal is an online system where residents can submit one application to be placed on a waitlist for all HOC rental programs.
This single application covers several key programs:
The Housing Path Portal is available 24/7 at HOCHousingPath.com. Applying places a household on a waiting list, and the wait time can be substantial. This system is a path to future support, not a source for immediate emergency relief.
Anne Arundel County: A Network of Resources
Anne Arundel County uses a decentralized model, directing residents to its Housing Resource Portal. This portal is a searchable database of programs offered by the county government and non-profit partners.
This approach requires residents to connect with a specific partner agency. The county's Eviction Prevention Program, for instance, is run with organizations like Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS). The Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County (HCAAC) manages federal programs like the Housing Choice Voucher program.
The first step for residents is to visit the (https://www.aacounty.org/county-council/council-districts/district-5/district-5-blog/eviction-prevention-program) to find the right organization for their needs.
Baltimore County: Understanding Waiting List Status
The housing assistance landscape in Baltimore County is challenging. The waiting lists for the main Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program have been closed since July 2018 and will remain so until further notice.
However, there are limited openings for specific Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs tied to particular properties. As of early 2025, open waiting lists include:
Interested individuals can apply for these specific lists through the county's Applicant Portal. Residents should regularly check the (https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/housing/housing-programs) page for updates.
Guidance for Residents in Other Maryland Counties
For residents in other counties (like Frederick, Howard, or Harford), the best path to assistance is through statewide and local social service networks.
Several key statewide initiatives offer a more stable source of aid for eligible Marylanders, regardless of their county.
Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC)
The EAFC program, administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), provides emergency cash assistance to eligible families for urgent needs like rent or utility bills.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for EAFC, a family must meet these conditions:
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted in several ways:
Required Documents
Be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation to speed up the process. You will need proof of identity, address, household income, the emergency, bank statements, Social Security numbers, and household expenses. EAFC funds are available once every two years and are subject to fund availability.
Maryland Renters' Tax Credit Program (2025)
This annual state program provides a direct payment of up to $1,000 to eligible renters. It is a tax credit based on rent paid relative to income, and a new application must be filed each year.
Application Window
The application period for the 2025 tax credit runs from February 3, 2025, to October 1, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
An applicant must meet all five of these requirements:
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the Maryland One Stop portal, either online or by mailing a downloaded PDF form. A complete application requires answering all questions, signing the form, and including copies of your federal income tax return and other income verifications.
The Community Schools Rental Assistance Program (CSRAP): A New Lifeline
Established in 2024, the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program (CSRAP) is a $10 million program providing emergency financial aid to households with students enrolled in one of Maryland's designated community schools.
Program Purpose and Eligible Expenses
CSRAP addresses housing instability that impacts a child's education. Funds can be used for a variety of costs:
How the Program Works
Individuals and families do not apply directly to the state. Instead, the DHCD awards grants to non-profit organizations and local government agencies, who then administer the aid. This model leverages the trusted infrastructure of community schools, which already provide "wraparound services" to students and families, to deliver housing support.
Priority Jurisdictions and Actionable Steps
The state prioritized applications from organizations serving eight key jurisdictions: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George's, Wicomico, and Washington counties. If you are a parent of a student in a community school in one of these counties, contact your school's Community School Coordinator to find the local organization that received the CSRAP grant.
Beyond emergency grants, several programs offer long-term housing stability and legal help.
Navigating the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
The HCV Program (Section 8) is the federal government's primary program for helping very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford housing in the private market. It is administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).
There are two main types of vouchers:
The biggest challenge with the HCV program is extremely high demand and long waiting lists. Many of Maryland's largest jurisdictions have had their waiting lists closed for years. The HCV program is a long-term option, not a solution for an immediate crisis.
Accessing Legal Aid for Eviction Prevention
With many assistance programs now requiring a court filing, legal representation is more critical than ever. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate with your landlord, and represent you in court.
Key resources for free legal assistance include:
If you have received a court hearing notice, you must attend. Contacting one of these legal aid providers beforehand is strongly recommended.
Essential Contacts for Housing Stability in Maryland
When facing a housing crisis, knowing who to call is crucial.
Yes, you may still qualify for certain programs. While a formal lease is preferred, other documents like a signed letter from your landlord, proof of past rent payments, or an attestation form can sometimes be used to verify your rental agreement for Maryland assistance programs. Always check the specific requirements of the program you are applying to.
No, receiving unemployment benefits does not automatically disqualify you. In fact, it often serves as proof of income loss, which can strengthen your application for programs like the Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC). All sources of income are typically considered when determining your eligibility for rental assistance.
Some local and non-profit programs in Maryland may offer assistance with security deposits and first month's rent for those relocating due to eviction or unsafe housing. While the original ERAP focused on arrears, you should contact 211 Maryland to find specific local organizations that provide this type of housing stabilization aid.
Eligibility for non-U.S. citizens varies by program. Some Maryland rental assistance programs require at least one member of the household to have eligible immigration status. However, non-profits and other community resources may offer aid regardless of status. Check the specific eligibility criteria for each program or contact 211 for guidance.
If a landlord refuses to participate, it can be a significant barrier. Some programs were able to make payments directly to tenants in such situations. For current programs, you should immediately contact the administering agency to discuss your options, as policies on direct-to-tenant payments or other solutions vary.
Most closed ERAP programs no longer accept new applications or appeals. For any active or alternative rental assistance programs, there is typically an appeals process. You must follow the specific instructions and deadlines provided in your denial notice to submit an appeal with any new or clarifying information.
No, the Maryland Renters' Tax Credit is not considered taxable income by the state. It is a direct credit that reduces your tax liability or can result in a refund. This financial benefit is designed to make housing more affordable for eligible renters without adding to their tax burden.
College students may be eligible for rental assistance in Maryland but often face specific hurdles. Eligibility frequently depends on factors like being financially independent from parents, meeting income requirements, and having a formal lease. Students facing housing instability should contact their school's student affairs office or 211 for specialized resources.
The timeframe for receiving payment after approval can vary widely, from a few weeks to over a month. Processing times depend on the specific program, application volume, and the verification process with your landlord. It is crucial to maintain communication with your landlord and the program administrator while you wait.
Yes, you may be eligible for assistance even if you rent from a family member, provided you have a documented rental agreement and can prove you are responsible for making regular rent payments. The program will need to verify that it is a legitimate rental situation to prevent fraud.
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