1. What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program? The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8) provides tenant-based assistance, in the form of a voucher, to low-income families, for rental units of their choice in the private market. Program applicants choose from a variety of housing options, including apartments, duplexes, single-family homes and townhomes. Vouchers can also be used to help families buy homes.
2. How does the Housing Choice Voucher Program work? Program participants issued a housing voucher are responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of their choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the participant's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the Houston Housing Authority.
A housing subsidy is paid to the property owner directly by the Housing Authority on behalf of the participant. The participant then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the property owner and the amount subsidized by the program.
3. What are the requirements to be in this program? The head of household must first confirm that their family is eligible for the program. Income eligibility limits for the voucher program are set by the Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as percentages of the local area median income. The incomes below are the maximum household income based on the number of family members in the household. Only applicants who meet the following income limits are eligible.
4. I've received the postcard with my lottery number, what should I do next? Keep the postcard with your lottery number in a safe place. When your lottery number is serviced, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher packet in the mail. Remember that there is typically an 18-24 month wait for applicants.
5. Once my lottery number has been selected what happens? You will receive a Housing Choice Voucher packet in the mail, which will give you detailed information and forms to complete and return. Please read the entire packet carefully and make sure you send back all necessary information by the deadline designated in the packet. If you have trouble reading or understanding the information in the packet, contact the Housing Authority fo assistance.
6. After I mail in my packet, when can I expect to be called in for an interview? Upon receipt of your information, the Houston Housing Authority will begin the verification process. Once your information is successfully verified, you will receive a letter with a date for a voucher briefing appointment.
7. What will the interview process be like? During the interview, applicants will be asked to complete various documents and provide documents verifying family identifications, relationship to head of household and Immigration Status. A security clearance is also conducted to verify that the adults in the household do not have a drug or violent criminal background. Applicants are then issued a Housing Choice Voucher after attending a briefing on how best to utilize the voucher.
8. If I don't answer all the questions in the packet, will it still be accepted? It is very important the all of the documents in the packet are completed. The Housing Authority will verify with a third party (i.e. employer, etc) to make sure that your submitted information is correct. Failure to return these complete documents will result in your withdrawal from the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list.
9. What if someone in my family does not have a social security number/card? It is required that social security cards are submitted for everyone in your household, if they have a social security number. If you cannot find your card or you've never had a social security number we will accept copies of your green card or purchase receipts showing that you've purchased a replacement social security card. If any family member does not have a social security number, they must submit a signed certification that they have no number.
10. What if someone in my family does not have a photo I.D.? It is required that photo I.D.'s are submitted for everyone in your household over the age of 18. There are no exceptions.
11. What if someone in my family does not have a birth certificate? It is required that either birth certificates or passports be submitted for everyone in your household. The only exceptions are children under 6 years old. If you cannot get the identification needed by your designated deadline, we will accept receipts of purchase showing that you've purchased a replacement birth certificate.
12. One of the forms asks me for a "Housing Choice Voucher Client number." What if I don't have one? If you don't have a Housing Choice Voucher Client number, you can write in your lottery number instead.
13. One of the forms asks me about "Disposal of Assets Certification." What is an asset? An asset is anything that you own, which can increase in value. This can mean but is not limited to your home, investments, family/personal businesses, etc.
14. One of the forms says "less than fair market value." What is fair market value? Fair market value is what your assets are worth today.
15. Where do I turn in my completed packet?
Completed forms will not be accepted at the Housing Authority's Main Office. You must mail in your completed packet in the pre-paid envelope or to P.O. Box 37293, Houston, TX 77237-7923 by the deadline assigned to you.
16. Does filling out the packet guarantee my selection in the program? No. All of your information must first be verified, and then you will be scheduled for a voucher briefing appointment.
17. How does a voucher help me in paying my rent? As a program participant, generally, you pay 30% of your adjusted monthly income for rent and the Housing Authority pays the balance to the owner.
18. How much can the voucher pay towards my rent? You will be informed of the Payment Standard for your household size and income prior to the issuance of your voucher.
19. If my address or family income changes while I'm on the waiting list, what should I do? You must notify the Housing Authority in writing of any change of address or in change of family composition. Please include your social security number on any correspondence sent to us. Changes will be made prior to contacting applicants about their placement on the waiting list.
If you do not notify the Housing Authority in writing of a change of address and any correspondence sent to you is returned, or if you do not respond to a scheduled appointment or any request for additional information, you will be removed from the waiting list and you will need to wait until the waiting list is open again to apply.
20. What protection do I have as a tenant if the property I reside in is being foreclosed?
Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act-Guidance on New Tenant Protections
21. I have a qu estion that was not answered, who can I talk to? Our website, www.housingforhouston.com, includes detailed information. You can also contact the Housing Choice Voucher Call Center at 713.260.0600.