What are housing choice vouchers?
The housing choice voucher program (Section 8) is the federal government's primary program for assisting very low-income families, elderly and disabled to afford housing.
The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.
Housing choice vouchers are provided by local public housing agencies, but availability depends on federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The participant is responsible for finding a housing unit where the owner agrees to rent under the program guidelines and meets minimum health and safety standards.
The voucher is paid directly to the landlord by the local public housing agency. Any remaining rent balance is the responsibility of the participant.
In certain situations the vouchers may be used to purchase a home.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined based on the total annual gross income and family size.
Vouchers will be awarded to participants whose income is equal to or less than 30% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area the participant chooses to live. Up to 25 percent of the vouchers may be provided to applicants whose incomes are 50 percent or less than the area's median income depending on availability of funds. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location.
If determined eligible after an application has been processed, the participant will be put on a waiting list, unless funds are immediately available.
Those with a criminal or drug related record will be ineligible for the program for a certain period of time. Alcohol dependency can also lead to ineligibility. Sexual offenders are ineligible for this program.
A participant must be a US citizens or a non-citizens with a qualifying immigration status.
