Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly Section 8)
The HousingChoice Voucher (formerly known as Section 8 vouchers) program is the major federal program that assists very low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
Participants find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
Participants are free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program.
Participants are not limited to units located in subsidized public housing projects.
Housing Choice Vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs).
Participants are responsible for finding suitable housing and alandlord/owner who agrees to rent under the program. Participants may not have to move if their current landlord/owner agrees to rent under the program. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participant.The participant then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
Under certain circ*mstances, if authorized by the PHA, a participant may use the HousingChoice Voucher to purchase a modest home.
Am I eligible for a HousingChoice Voucher?
Eligibility for a voucher is determined by the PHA based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
In general, the family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. By law, a PHA must provide 75 percent of its voucher to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location.
During the application process, the PHA will collect information on family income, assets, and family composition. The PHA will verify this information with other local agencies, employers and banks, and will use the information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.
If the PHA finds an applicant eligible, the PHA will either assist immediately or put the participant on a waiting list.
Contact the local Public Housing Authorityto apply or contact the nearestHUD Office.
