Housing Choice Voucher
The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
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The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.
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Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.
A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.
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A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the PHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.
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Am I Eligible?
Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined by the PHA based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
- Income Requirements: Family income may not exceed 50% of median income; 75% of vouchers go to families at 30% or below median income; Income limits vary by location and family size.
- Application Process: PHA collects family income and asset information; Information verified with employers and banks; Determines eligibility and assistance amount.
If the PHA determines that your family is eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list unless immediate assistance is available. Once reached, you will be issued your housing voucher.
How Vouchers Function
The program places the choice of housing in the hands of the family. Participants are encouraged to consider several housing choices to secure the best fit for their specific needs.
- Unit Selection: Family selects unit meeting health standards; PHA inspects dwelling before approval; PHA determines rent is reasonable; Parties sign official lease agreement.
- Payment Structure: Family pays 30% of monthly adjusted income; PHA pays subsidy directly to landlord; Family pays difference if rent exceeds standard; Maximum payment: 40% of adjusted income.
The Rent Subsidy
The PHA calculates the maximum amount of housing assistance allowable. The maximum housing assistance is generally the lesser of the payment standard minus 30% of the family's monthly adjusted income or the gross rent for the unit minus 30% of monthly adjusted income.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Unit Selection Process: Family selects unit that meets health and safety standards; PHA inspects dwelling before approval; PHA determines rent is reasonable; Family and landlord sign lease agreement.
- Payment Structure: Family pays 30% of monthly adjusted gross income; PHA pays subsidy directly to landlord; Family may pay additional if rent exceeds payment standard; Maximum family payment: 40% of adjusted income.
The Rent Subsidy
The PHA calculates the maximum amount of housing assistance allowable. The maximum housing assistance is generally the lesser of the payment standard minus 30% of the family's monthly adjusted income or the gross rent for the unit minus 30% of monthly adjusted income.