Facts about Housing Choice Vouchers

The housing choice voucher program is a major federal program that helps very low-income families, the disabled and the elderly get decent, sanitary and safe private housing. This includes apartments, townhouses and single-family homes. These rental units or houses need not be in subsidized housing projects.

HUD and PHA

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) holds the federal funding for this program, which is then distributed to public housing agencies (PHAs) for local program administration.

Eligibility

You may be qualified for housing assistance payments under the housing choice voucher program if:

- The individual or family has an income that does not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or area the family wants to live in. You have a greater chance of receiving a housing choice voucher if your income does not exceed 30% of the area median income.

- Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with eligible immigration status.

The local PHA will investigate the family’s income and financial details to determine eligibility. If the PHA cannot help you immediately, your name will be put on a waiting list. Contact the nearest PHA or HUD office for assistance. Vouchers may be distributed according to federal funding concerns and the immediate needs of each applicant.

Housing Assistance Payments

Assuming that the housing unit found passes the PHA’s guidelines, the housing subsidy is paid directly by the PHA to the landlord on behalf of the family. Depending on the circumstances, the housing voucher can also be used to buy a small house.

The amount for assistance will be determined by the PHA, in conjunction with the applicant and the landlord.

Sign up on the box at the right to get more information on how to get more assistance for housing concerns.