Frequently Asked Questions

After you have applied for the program you will be placed on a waiting list. You will be contacted by mail when you are approaching the top of the waiting list in order to determine your eligibility. The Section 8 HCV program waiting list can vary from a few months in smaller jurisdictions to several years in larger cities.

Eligibility for the program is based on several factors. To be eligible, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status. Applicants must also be at or below the income guideline for the Public Housing Authority’s (PHA) jurisdiction. Applicants are also screened for criminal history prior to admission to the Section 8 HCV program.

Applicants must provide proper documentation to verify eligibility requirements as requested by the PHA. These documents will include, but are not limited to:

• Birth certificates
• Social Security cards
• Verification of all forms of household income and verification of assets

The Housing Authority will notify you when your determination of eligibility is completed.

When your name is approaching the top of the waiting list you will be sent a letter requesting verification documents. After you have been determined eligible for the program, you will be issued a voucher to search for a unit. You will also receive guidance on the rent amount that would be acceptable for your voucher size and amount of income as you search for a suitable rental unit.

The portion of rent you pay will depend on several factors, including the number of bedrooms needed for your family, the actual rent amount for the unit, the type of utilities you will pay for the unit, and your total household income. Generally, you pay 30% of your monthly adjusted income, less any deductions for utility allowance. The rent calculation process will be explained in much greater detail by the Section 8 Coordinator as you go through the verification process.