What Is A Housing Choice Voucher And Who Is Eligible?

What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the new and more formal name for Section 8. Through this program, the federal government can provide housing on the private market that is safe, decent, and sanitary to people who are elderly, disabled, and earn a low income.

Section 8 participants can select their housing since assistance is given on their behalf. This allows you to choose between a variety of properties, such as apartments, townhomes, and even single-family homes.

Contrary to popular belief, a Section 8 recipient does not have to live in a subsidized housing project. As long as the housing you choose meets the program’s requirements, you’ll be good to go.

Although the federal government (more specifically, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD) is in charge of funding the Housing Choice Voucher Program, local public housing agencies (PHAs) administer it.

If your household qualifies for a housing voucher, you will have to look for a property where the owner agrees to participate in Section 8. The unit must also pass the PHAs health and safety standards to receive rental assistance. It is possible that you can receive a housing voucher for where you currently reside, should your landlord agree to it.

Once qualified and your housing is approved, your rent subsidy will be paid directly to the landlord from the PHA. Any unpaid difference in the rent will be your responsibility. While Section 8 housing vouchers are usually used for rentals, there are cases where families use them to purchase a home.

Are You Eligible for a Housing Choice Voucher?

Since the PHA administers Housing Choice Vouchers, they will be in charge of determining whether or not you are eligible for rental assistance. To receive a voucher, your household’s total annual gross income will be considered, as will how many people are living with you. Only citizens and specific categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status will qualify.

Regarding income, your household will generally have to make less than 50 percent of the median income for the area where you want to live. The law requires PHAs to award 75 percent of their vouchers to applicants making less than 30 percent of the area median income. This income limit varies according to location. Your PHA will be able to provide you with this information so you can see if your income qualifies according to your family size.

When applying for a Section 8 voucher, the PHA will analyze your family composition, income, and assets. They will contact local agencies, your bank, and employer to ensure that the information you provided is accurate, and they will use this to determine the size of your voucher.

If your family qualifies, you will be placed on a waiting list. Once your turn is reached on the list, you will receive a voucher from your PHA.

How to Apply for a Housing Voucher

To officially apply for Section 8 rental assistance, contact your local PHA.