The COVID-19 Emergency Financial Housing and Utility Assistance program was created to provide housing and utility assistance to any Manassas City residents who are experiencing financial hardship and loss of income as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Manassas City Department of Social Services is prioritizing assistance to families and individuals who have lost their primary/sole income, have an increased financial burden, and can demonstrate the greatest need as a result of COVID-19. Payments will be made directly to landlords or mortgage companies for properties located within the city limits. Assistance will be for the following:

• Rent
• Mortgage
• Utilities (electric, water, gas)

Assistance will be approved for a single request per household. We are asking all those who contact MCDSS to utilize this information and make other reasonable efforts (i.e. contacting your landlord or mortgage company, utility providers) prior to submitting your application for funding. Funds are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis for immediate need, according to availability and based on guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for assistance from the COVID-19 Emergency Financial Housing and Utility Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a resident of and living in Manassas City.
• Households requesting rental assistance must be current on their rent as of March 1, 2020.
• Households requesting Utility Assistance must be current on their utilities as of March 1, 2020.
• Utilities must be in the applicant’s name for Utility Assistance.
• Households must meet income guidelines.
• Households must demonstrate that they can maintain their housing in the immediate future.
• Households must provide documentation showing the loss of income or financial impact of COVID-19.
• Households must have a current and valid lease or mortgage agreement in the applicant’s name. All landlords/lenders must be able to provide a W-9 to the City of Manassas.

 

  
Who is not eligible?

• Households who currently receive a Tenant-based voucher.
• Households residing in Project-based Voucher projects.
• Households residing in Public Housing.
• Households who currently receive other government-based rental assistance.
• Households who do meet the requirements listed above.

Examples of Required Documentation

• Identification: Copy of photo ID reflecting the residential address
• Copy of pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 paystubs demonstrating loss of income
• Copy of State Unemployment Benefit record
• Copy of letter from employer stating a layoff, furlough, or employment termination
• Copy of reduction of hours statement from the employer indicating cause-related for reduction
• Copy of utility bill or notice
• Copy of lease or mortgage statement
   

Assistance Per Household

• Up to 2 months of assistance
• *Up to $1,000 per month.  Eligibility and amounts will be determined by Manassas City Department of Social Services and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• All rental assistance payments will be made directly to landlords or creditor on behalf of assisted household
• Once all documents are received, applications will be processed within 14 business days.

 

Program Administration
 
The goal of this program is to process and fund accepted applications within 7 days.  The process is as follows:

1. Applicants fill out the application form and turn it in.
   ·      For assistance completing the application form and assembling documents, please call 703-361-8277.  This number is only for help in submitting the application.
2. Assemble the supporting documentation as requested and submit application package by:
   ·      In-person or drop-box: 9324 West Street, Manassas VA 20110
   ·      Email: mcdss@dss.virginia.gov
   ·      Fax: 571-921-8806

*Race and Ethnic background information is voluntary and will not affect eligibility or benefits amounts. This information is used to assure program benefits are distributed without regard to race, color, or national origin. Race examples: White, Black or African American, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, Alaska Native, or any combination of races.

I certify the information included in this application and the documentation provided is true and correct.  I understand that the penalty for providing false information will be the denial of benefits. I understand that failure to provide documentation will result in a denial of benefits.