Initial Eligibiltiy Process

Initial Eligibility Process

Steps to receiving rental assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program:

1. Families seeking assistance must register on the Voucher Wait List (this list is currently closed). Registrants must keep their contact address information updated with the Housing Authority. Failure to do so will result in cancellation from the wait list.

2. Registrants are pulled from the wait list according to date and time to be scheduled for an application appointment with a Housing Authority Specialist. Registrants are asked to bring in proof of income, assets and certain expenses.

3. After the application appointment, applicants must wait while the Specialist obtains the necessary third party verification of income and other household information, determines if the application can be approved, and calculates the assistance amount. Certain allowances for the number of dependents in the household, child care or medical expenses, and other items, may be factored in to the assistance calculation.

In determining household eligibility, the Housing Authority must follow HUD-established methods for obtaining verification of Income in the following order starting with the most preferred method:

	Third-party written verification – sent directly by the Housing Authority to the source and source returns it directly to the Housing Authority.
	Third-party oral verification – direct contact by the Housing Authority Specialist by phone or in person with the source.
	Review of documents – use of participant-supplied proof of information.
	Certification/self declaration – written statement of fact by participant family.

4. When the specialist has determined the approved/denied status of the application, the family will be notified via mail.

If the application is denied, which is often due to over-income, negative background check or non-compliance, the family will be receive a letter advising them of the denial of their application.

If approved, the family will be scheduled for a Briefing appointment to receive their voucher and learn their obligations under the program. Families will also receive a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) form and an owner packet for their existing or new landlord.

5. Some households receiving a Housing Choice Voucher use their assistance in their present unit, while others may need to look for a unit. The Housing Authority provides a free unit listing on which landlords willing to rent to Voucher holders list their vacant units. Many properties owned and operated by the Housing Authority accept Vouchers as well.