In the quest to find more choices for low-income housing, perhaps we should consider the classic Section 8 housing program, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher program.
What is HCV?
This is the national government’s primary program for helping very low-income families, the disabled and the elderly acquire clean, decent and secure privately owned rental housing units. Apartments, townhouses and single-family homes all qualify, and there is no requirement that the unit chosen be in a subsidized housing project.
Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) handle the program on the local level. Funding is from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A family is responsible for finding a qualified housing unit. The housing unit’s owner must agree to the program, and the PHA must approve of the unit. The housing subsidy (the voucher) will be paid by the PHA to the owner, and the family must pay the difference between actual rent and the amount paid for by the PHA.
If the PHA allows it, the family can use the vouchers to buy a suitable home.
How do I qualify?
- The PHA must determine if you qualify, based on your total annual gross income and your family size. Your income may not exceed 50% of the average income for the local area where the family will live.
- The program is limited to U.S. citizens and non-citizens who are eligible through special conditions, including qualified immigration status.
Apply for the Section 8 (HCV) program through your local PHA or HUD office. You will be put on a waiting list until the PHA can service your application.
Vouchers are usually worth either the payment standard with 30% of the family’s monthly adjusted income removed, or the gross rent of the unit with 30% of the family’s monthly adjusted income removed, whichever is lesser.
If you’re moving to a new area, consult with both the current and the new PHA on how to transfer your voucher.
Sign up on the box at the right for more information subsidized housing and the Section 8 housing program.
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