Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Guide

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program provides housing assistance to low income families and individuals. Section 8 vouchers allow recipients to choose housing that meets the program’s requirements. Typically, households with income that does not exceed 50% of the area’s median income will be eligible to apply. Contact a public housing agency (PHA) in order to apply for Section 8.

The PHA you go to will determine if you qualify, and an application will be provided to you. It is important to closely follow the instructions for the application and answer all required questions to ensure that the application is accepted. Ask a case manager or someone at the PHA if you need assistance acquiring the necessary information.

After a few months, the application is processed and applicants will be either accepted or put on a waiting list that can be up to one or two years. Once the Section 8 voucher is received, the family is only required to pay 30% of their income (or at least $50) for rent and utilities. The remaining costs are then covered up until a certain payment standard is met according to your PHA.

Any housing can be chosen, even one’s current residence, so as long as it meets program requirements. Housing must be of a reasonable size and rent, and must meet certain Housing Quality Standards (HQS). HQS are based off of basic sanitary needs (such as functional bathrooms, trash disposal, and running water), basic needs (air quality, electricity, lighting, access, temperature control, functional kitchen), and safety (smoke detectors, surrounding area, lead-free paint and, overall cleanliness).

Project-Based Housing

Project-Based Housing is part of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, and it provides affordable housing in rental units that are privately owned. The rental assistance is applied to the property rather than the tenant, so if you move out, you no longer receive the subsidized housing. Similar to standard Section 8 vouchers, participants will only pay about 30% of the household’s gross income. Additionally, Project-Based Housing is also required to meet HQS.

To see if you qualify, contact your local PHA. You can apply to the individual properties that participate in the Project-Based Housing. There is often a waitlist, and like with all assistance programs, it’s important to stay in contact with the property manager and any relevant case managers to ensure that your application is efficiently processed.

Homeownership Programs

Recipients of the HCV are able to use their voucher to buy a home and receive monthly financial assistance. Many times this includes a down payment grant and then help towards paying off a mortgage. As stated before, the home that is desired to purchase must meet HQS.

The family or individual receiving Section 8 must meet certain employment and income requirements (with the exception of elderly, and/or disabled people), be a first-time homeowner, complete a housing counseling program, and meet any additional requirements set by the agency or PHA. These details will vary depending on the PHA or agency participating, so it is important to reach out to the agencies available to you to see who will be the most helpful to you.

Tips

Accessing affordable housing can be a bit tricky to apply for, but it’s extremely helpful to those who receive it. Here are some tips that will help the process go by smoothly for you.

• Stay in contact--make sure that you stay connected with people who are helping you apply for HCV, or your case manager if you have one. Respond to letters and calls as promptly as possible letters and calls sent out about HCV, particularly those about updates to the waitlist, or needs for further information are important. The people involved in your applications will not be able to help you find housing if they can’t reach you, and you may miss important updates, risk having your case closed, or get removed from the waitlist. Update your contact information as necessary. This is important not only for HCV related needs, but in general for accessing opportunities, such as employment, other housing options, medical services, and education.

• Apply for an Earned Income Disregard (EID)--this will allow you to work without having to worry about your rent increasing for the first year you start working. For more details, contact your local PHA.

• Keep everything on file--the information that you will need for the HCV application is important and similar to what many programs will ask you for. Hold onto this information in a secure place that is accessible for you, and include copies of any letters and applications you apply to for future reference.

• Use everything you have access to--never be afraid to ask for help, and apply to multiple PHAs and agencies if necessary. They can help you apply, find and receive whatever services that you need, and walk you through how to apply for various applications.

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This EHE project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award of $4,550,813.00. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government