Section 8 HCV Overview (2024)

What is Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher?

Through this program, we help low-income families and individuals with the cost of their rent. A portion of their rent is paid directly to the landlord. The purpose of the program is to assist low-income people and ensure they are living in healthy, safe housing.

For a list of landlords and units willing to participate in the rental assistance programs, please seeGoSection8.com.

You are not restricted to the units on this list; you may also look for rentals on your own.

Applyfor a rental assistance program.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher

Eligible families are selected from the waiting list. A qualified family may choose to rent a unit in any area we serve if the owner is willing to participate in the program.

The low-income family must pay at least 30 percent of their adjusted monthly income for rent and utilities.

We will pay the rest of the rent to the landlord, as long as the total rent and utilities are at or below a certain cost, called a payment standard.

If you qualify for help with housing costs, you may use thisRental Assistance Calculationto get an idea of what you can receive. Your actual aid may be different.There is a maximum amount of rental assistance a family may receive and it is called the Voucher Payment Standard. These payment standards are determined by fair market rent in our region and funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Market rental costs and regulations set by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determine the amount of the payment standard.

If the rent is too high, the unit may not be eligible for assistance.

You may apply to be placed on a waiting list and your eligibility is determined after your name is selected from the waiting list.

Your name is selected from the waiting list according to the date and time of your application. Because of limited federal funding, you may wait 10 or more years before your name is selected from the waiting list.

If you are already receiving Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher assistance, your eligibility to remain on the program is reviewed at least once a year.

We are committed to providing services and resources to help you find a rental unit that will accommodate the needs of a person withdisabilities.

You can find more detailed information on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Programin theFamily Handbookandour Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Agency Plan (on our Plans page).Learn morefrom theU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher page.

Inspections

The unit you choose must meet certain standards. It will be inspected before any assistance is paid to your landlord.

The units are inspected again every one to two years.

The unit must be kept be in a safe, healthy condition.

Email Updates

Renters: Get e-mail updateswhen information about our Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is updated.

As an expert in housing assistance programs, particularly the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in the field. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of such programs, including their eligibility criteria, application processes, and the regulatory frameworks that govern them.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program:

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Overview: The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program aims to assist low-income families and individuals with their rental costs. This assistance involves direct payments to landlords, and the ultimate goal is to ensure that recipients can live in healthy and safe housing.
GoSection8.com: The article mentions GoSection8.com as a resource to find a list of landlords and units willing to participate in rental assistance programs. This online platform serves as a valuable tool for both landlords and individuals seeking rental assistance.
Application Process: Prospective beneficiaries must apply for the rental assistance program, and eligible families are selected from a waiting list. The selection process is based on the date and time of the application.
Rent and Utility Payments: Qualified families are required to pay at least 30 percent of their adjusted monthly income for rent and utilities. The program covers the remaining portion of the rent, provided it does not exceed a specified cost known as the payment standard.
Rental Assistance Calculation: The article suggests using a Rental Assistance Calculation to estimate the assistance one might receive, although the actual aid may vary. The Voucher Payment Standard, determined by fair market rent and HUD funding, sets the maximum amount of rental assistance a family can receive.
Waiting List and Limited Funding: Due to limited federal funding, applicants may experience a substantial waiting period, potentially exceeding 10 years, before their names are selected from the waiting list.
Annual Eligibility Review: Participants already receiving Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher assistance undergo an annual eligibility review to ensure continued program eligibility.
Accommodations for Disabilities: The program is committed to providing services and resources to help individuals with disabilities find suitable rental units.
Inspections: Units selected for the program undergo inspections before any assistance is paid to landlords. Subsequent inspections occur every one to two years to ensure ongoing compliance with safety and health standards.
Email Updates: Renters are encouraged to sign up for email updates to stay informed about changes or updates to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
External Resources: The article directs readers to additional resources, such as the Family Handbook, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Agency Plan, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher page, for more detailed information.

In summary, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is a comprehensive housing assistance initiative that involves careful eligibility assessments, financial considerations, regular inspections, and a commitment to providing safe and suitable housing for low-income individuals and families.