Rent assistance and mortgage payment program (RAMP)

Please see updates below as some of the information has changed:

📌 What to Expect During the Next Application Window

Next application date has not yet been determined. (TBD)
On the designated day and time, Clayton County residents needing one month's rent, one month's mortgage, or a utility payment may access the Interest Form through the link that will appear on this page of our website. (The link will not be visible until the date and time noted open)
The portal will remain open only until capacity is reached.
If you have successfully submitted your application, you should receive a computer-generated confirmation email from a do-no-reply@haccgeorgia address. (This is not a guarantee of service)

⚖️ Fair Process

Applications are selected and reviewed strictly on a first come first serve basis.
The Develop Clayton team does not manually control output as each application is encrypted and timestamp by the system (hour, minute, and second).
This ensures an unbiased and equitable selection process.

📞 If Your Application Is Selected

You will be contacted first by phone, then by email.
The current waitlist will remain active through September 2026. Applicants remaining on the waitlist due to capacity will receive an email update. If you are not contacted by phone or email by the end of September, your application was likely outside the number that could be reviewed based on available capacity. You are encouraged to apply during the next application opportunity.

📄 Documents

No documents are needed to complete the Interest Form.
If selected to move forward, you will receive a list of required documents to prepare. (See Description Below)

❗Important Reminders

You must live in Clayton County.
Submitting an application does NOT guarantee eligibility or approval.
- Receiving a confirmation email only verifies that you submitted the form.
Submitting documents does NOT guarantee eligibility or approval.
We cannot contact landlords, mortgage companies, or utility providers until eligibility is confirmed.
- Eligibility is determined in the next steps after phone contact.

RAMP Program Overview:

Develop Clayton originally launched emergency assistance to address the public health crisis that impacted communities worldwide. In response to the ongoing financial hardships faced by many Clayton County residents, the Develop Clayton Board of Commissioners has authorized funds for an in-house program designed to assist residents with a one-time payment for one month's rent, mortgage, or a minimal utility payment (up to $350 or the current amount due, whichever is lesser).

Due to high demand and limited funds, the Rent Assistance and Mortgage Payment Program (RAMP) serves as gap support and will currently cover a 30-day window within a 12-month period.

While we are not housing facilitators, we are dedicated to reducing the economic disparities that may prevent individuals from accessing HUD standards for decent, safe, and sanitary housing. To request assistance, applicants must meet the program requirements, submit the necessary documentation, and certify their eligibility. Please note that funds are limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee assistance. For your privacy, all collected information will remain confidential, used only for federal and state record-keeping purposes, and withheld from disclosure as applicable.

To apply for RAMP, please ensure you meet the following criteria:

Needs-based prevention (Note: We cannot assist with security deposits, down payments, or first month's rent at this time).
Applicant must reside in Clayton County.
The applicant must be the head of household and/or named on the proof of occupancy (see checklist).
The applicant's total household income must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- 2026 AMI Guidelines:
  (1-member max income 66,000)
  (2-member max income 75,440)
  (3-member max income 84,880)
  (4-member max income 94,240)
  (5-member max income 101,840)
  (6-member max income 109,360)
  (7-member max income 116,880)
  (8-member max income 124,400)
The payee (landlord, management company, mortgage company, or utility company) must certify their willingness to participate in the program.
- An acceptance can be rescinded at any time, so please seek to address outstanding and pending balances.

General Description: Rent assistance and mortgage payment program Document Checklist:

If you are prequalified to move forward, you will be required to submit documents from the "RAMP checklist." Please seek to gather them now, as you will have a limited time to submit them after being contacted.

Verification of Identity (2 forms required for all adults over 18)
- Social Security Card and
- State-issued ID or
- Divers License or
- Voter Card/Other or
- Or passport or Military ID (SSC not required)
Verification of Dependents (1 document required for all household members 18 and under)
- Birth Certificates or
- School Identification Card or
- School Registration Documentation
Verification of Income for the last 30 days (All that applies)
- 2-4 consecutive check stubs and/or
- Offer Letter and/or
- SSA Award Letter and/or
- Pension Disbursement Statement and/or
- Bank Statement and/or
- W2 and/or
- State-issued income statement
Proof of occupancy (both forms are required)
- Copy of Lease/Mortgage Statement and
- Copy of a Utility Bill (i.e. Electric, Water, or Gas)
Proof of current standing (not required for utility assistance as noted on current bill)
- Demand Letter/Eviction Notice or
- Notice from rental portal or
- Mortgage Statement