What income-based housing programs exist in Maryland

Maryland offers several programs that tie housing costs to what you earn. The largest is Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, run by local housing authorities in each county and Baltimore City. You also have access to Public Housing — apartments owned and operated directly by housing authorities. Beyond those federal programs, Maryland administers Rental information for Families in Transition (RAFT), which helps people at risk of homelessness, and Emergency Rental information, which covers back rent and utilities when you face eviction or utility shutoff.

Each program has different income limits, wait times, and what they cover. Section 8 and Public Housing are permanent programs with ongoing subsidies. RAFT and Emergency Rental information are time-limited and designed for people in when ready crisis. Understanding which one fits your situation depends on whether you need long-term stability or short-term help to stay housed.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's Section 8 program is administered by 24 separate housing authorities — the one that serves you depends on where you live, and each has its own wait list and timeline.
  • Public Housing in Maryland includes traditional apartments and scattered-site units, with rent capped at 30 percent of your income, but wait lists are typically several years long.
  • RAFT and Emergency Rental information are designed for people facing when ready housing loss and do not require you to be on a wait list, but funding is limited and programs close when money runs out.
  • Income limits vary by program and family size, and in most cases your income must fall between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income to be considered.
  • The housing authority that serves your county is your first contact for Section 8 and Public Housing; your local department of social services handles RAFT and Emergency Rental information referrals.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Maryland

Maryland is divided into 24 housing authority jurisdictions, each running its own Section 8 program. Baltimore City, Prince George's County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County are the largest. When you request a voucher, you explore to the authority that covers your address — not to a state office. Each authority maintains a separate wait list, and the time to reach the top ranges from two years to over a decade depending on the jurisdiction and whether the list is open.

To be considered, your household income must fall below 80 percent of the area median income for your county. Once you receive a voucher, you find your own apartment and the housing authority pays the landlord a portion of the rent; you pay the difference, capped at 30 percent of your income. The voucher is portable — if you move to a different county in Maryland or out of state, you can transfer it to that area's housing authority, though the new authority must have funding available.

Most Maryland housing authorities do not currently accept new applications because their wait lists are full. Prince George's County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore City periodically open their lists for brief windows — typically a few weeks every two to five years. Contact your local housing authority directly to ask when they expect to reopen applications and whether you can join a waiting list to be notified when that happens.

Public Housing apartments in Maryland

Public Housing is owned and managed by housing authorities. Maryland has approximately 20,000 public housing units spread across the state, with the largest concentrations in Baltimore City, Prince George's County, and Montgomery County. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, and the housing authority handles maintenance and management.

Income limits for Public Housing are typically lower than for Section 8 — usually between 30 and 50 percent of area median income, depending on the authority and unit type. Wait lists for Public Housing are generally as long as or longer than Section 8 lists. Some authorities maintain a combined wait list for both programs; others keep them separate. When you contact your housing authority, ask whether they accept applications for Public Housing and whether the list is currently open.

Public Housing units range from traditional apartment complexes to scattered-site homes in residential neighborhoods. The condition and location of units varies significantly by authority and by individual property. Visiting a housing authority's website or calling their leasing office can give you a sense of what units are available in your area.

RAFT: Rental information for Families in Transition

RAFT is a Maryland state program designed for families facing homelessness or at when ready risk of losing housing. Unlike Section 8, you do not need to be on a wait list. Instead, you explore through your local department of social services or a community action agency when you are in crisis — typically when you have received an eviction notice, a utility shutoff notice, or when you cannot pay rent and risk losing your home within 30 days.

RAFT covers back rent, current rent, security deposits, and utility arrears. The program can pay up to a certain amount per month (the limit varies by county) and for a limited number of months. Most counties cap information at three to six months of rent. To be considered, your household income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, which is significantly lower than Section 8 thresholds.

RAFT funding is limited and distributed by county. When a county's allocation runs out, the program closes until the next fiscal year. Contact your local department of social services to find out whether RAFT is currently open in your county and what documents you need to bring — typically proof of income, a lease, an eviction notice or utility shutoff notice, and proof of the debt.

Emergency Rental information in Maryland

Maryland's Emergency Rental information program pays landlords directly to cover rent you already owe and, in some cases, future rent to prevent eviction. The program also covers utility arrears and, occasionally, internet service. It is administered through local programs in each jurisdiction, often in partnership with community action agencies or housing authorities.

Unlike RAFT, Emergency Rental information does not have a strict income ceiling — programs consider your situation holistically, including whether you have experienced a documented hardship such as job loss, illness, or a reduction in hours. You typically need to show that you cannot pay rent due to circumstances beyond your control and that you are at risk of eviction or utility shutoff.

Approval timelines range from two to eight weeks, depending on the program and how quickly you provide required documents. The program pays the landlord, so you will need a signed lease and your landlord's contact information. If your landlord refuses payment, some programs will pay you directly, though this usually requires written documentation of the refusal. Contact your local housing authority or call 211 to find the Emergency Rental information program in your area and whether it is currently open.

Income limits and how they are calculated

Maryland uses Area Median Income (AMI) to set income limits for housing programs. AMI is the middle income in your county — half of households earn more, half earn less. Section 8 typically serves households earning up to 80 percent of AMI. Public Housing often serves households at 50 percent of AMI or below. RAFT uses 200 percent of the federal poverty line, which is much lower than AMI-based limits.

Income limits vary significantly by county and by family size. A family of four in Montgomery County has a different AMI threshold than a family of four in a rural county. When you contact a housing authority or social services office, ask them to tell you the specific income limit for your family size and program. They can also tell you whether your household income falls within the range.

Income is typically calculated as gross monthly income — what you earn before taxes. This includes wages, Social Security, disability benefits, child support, and unemployment benefits. Some programs exclude certain income, such as student loans or one-time payments. Ask the program directly what counts toward your income calculation.

How to find and contact the right program in your area

Start by identifying which housing authority serves your county. Maryland's 24 housing authorities are listed on the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development website. If you live in Baltimore City, contact the Housing Authority of Baltimore City. If you live in a county, search for "[Your County] Housing Authority" — for example, "Prince George's County Housing Authority."

For Section 8 and Public Housing, call the housing authority directly and ask whether they are accepting applications. Ask when they last opened their wait list and when they expect to open it again. Some authorities allow you to request notification when the list reopens; others require you to call back periodically.

For RAFT and Emergency Rental information, contact your local department of social services or call 211 (Maryland's information and referral line). Tell them you need help with rent or utilities and they will direct you to the program serving your area. They can also tell you whether the program is currently open and what documents you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be on the wait list for both Section 8 and Public Housing at the same time?

Yes. Most housing authorities allow you to explore for both programs simultaneously. Being on both lists increases your chances of being housed, though you will need to notify the authority once you receive an offer from either program so they can remove you from the other list.

What happens if I move to a different county in Maryland?

If you have a Section 8 voucher, you can request a transfer to the housing authority in your new county, though that authority must have funding available. If you are on a wait list, you will need to reapply to the new county's housing authority — your time on the previous list does not transfer. For Public Housing, the same rule applies: you reapply in your new county.

How long does it take to get Section 8 or Public Housing?

Wait times vary dramatically by county. In some jurisdictions, the wait is two to three years. In others, it is seven to ten years or longer. Baltimore City and Prince George's County currently have wait lists of several years. Contact your local housing authority for their specific timeline.

What if I am currently homeless or living in a shelter?

You can explore for Section 8, Public Housing, RAFT, and Emergency Rental information while homeless. For RAFT and Emergency Rental information, being homeless may actually prioritize your process. You will need a mailing address for correspondence — use a shelter address, a trusted friend's address, or a social services office address. Contact your local housing authority or department of social services to discuss your situation.

Can I use Section 8 to pay for a mobile home or apartment outside Maryland?

Yes, Section 8 vouchers are portable. You can use your voucher in any state, but you must request a transfer from your current housing authority and the new state's program must have funding available. The process typically takes several weeks. Out-of-state programs may have different rules about what types of housing may have access to, so confirm with the receiving authority before you move.