(ProsperNews.net) – Although it seems that clean, affordable housing should be easy to obtain, it’s not always possible for those that fall into low-income brackets. However, there are federal programs in place that assist individuals with the process of finding affordable living situations. One such program is known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
Also known as Section 8, the Housing Choice Voucher Program was designed to help very low-income families, disabled individuals, and the elderly afford safe and sanitary housing within the private housing market. The assistance is provided in the form of a voucher on behalf of the family or individual, which means the participant can find their own home or apartment that meets program requirements.
Who Qualifies for the Housing Choice Voucher Program
Although the Housing Choice Voucher Program requirements are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is based on annual gross income and family size, the applicant’s eligibility is determined by the local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
The requirements include:
- U.S. citizenship or specific categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status
- A Family’s income cannot exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where the family chooses to live
- 75% of new participants must be “very low income” or have income that does not exceed 30% of the area’s median income
Since the median income levels vary by location, potential applicants can get specific information and income limits from their Public Housing Agency.
Applying for the Housing Choice Voucher Program
Families and individuals interested in applying for the Housing Choice Voucher Program must contact their local Public Housing Agency. Each PHA will inform interested applicants of income limits, necessary documentation, and other required information. During the application process, applicants will need to supply information regarding:
- family income
- assets
- family composition
The PHA will verify all information with your employer, bank, or other relevant agencies and will then be used to determine if you are eligible for the program and how much assistance you are able to receive.
There is a significant demand for housing assistance, which typically exceeds its availability, which means there is usually a waitlist, and at times the waitlist may even be closed. Additionally, Public Housing Agencies have the authority to establish local preferences that are designed to serve the specific needs of the community when choosing applicants from its waitlist. An example would be giving preference to an individual or family who is currently homeless or living in substandard housing. If an accepted applicant meets the qualifications for a preference, they are placed ahead of those who do not qualify for any preferences.
Using Your Housing Voucher
There are specific requirements for using a Housing Voucher. Once an individual or family is approved and ready to receive their Housing Voucher, they will be able to consider their housing choices to find the best option for their particular needs. The landlord must be willing to participate in the Housing Voucher Program, and the program recipient must reach an agreement over lease terms. The PHA will then inspect the housing unit to ensure it meets program requirements, including an acceptable level of health and safety in order to be approved, and that the amount of rent is reasonable.
The housing voucher recipient is required to pay 30% of its monthly adjusted gross income towards rent and utilities but may not pay more than 40% of adjusted monthly income towards rent when moving into a new dwelling, but the renter is to pay the amount of rent that exceeds the Housing Voucher amount.
For more information, interested individuals should contact their local Public Housing Authority or HUD office.
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