Designated Housing Vouchers

Information by State  Print version   jump to...   What are designated housing program vouchers?   What organizations are eligible to apply for designated housing vouchers funding from HUD?   How do PHAs apply for voucher funding from HUD?   What families are eligible to apply for the designated housing vouchers?   How does a PHA determine if a family is income eligible for the designated housing vouchers?   How do families obtain designated housing vouchers?   How do families obtain an apartment once they have a voucher?   How much rent do vouchers cover?   Do families have to lease a unit in the jurisdiction where the PHA issues the voucher?   What regulations cover this program? Related Information   Forms and guidance   24 CFR Part 982   PIH Notices

What are designated housing program vouchers?
Designated housing vouchers enable non-elderly families with a disabled person, who would be eligible for public housing if occupancy were not restricted to elderly families to lease safe, decent and affordable housing.

These vouchers also assist families affected by a PHA decision to designate their buildings as "mixed elderly and disabled buildings" but demonstrate a need for alternative resources for families with a disabled person.

What organizations are eligible to apply for designated housing vouchers funding from HUD?
PHAs authorized under state law to develop or operate housing assistance programs may apply.

How do PHAs apply for voucher funding from HUD?
PHAs respond to Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs). Each NOFA identifies allocation areas, amount of funds available per area, and the selection criteria for rating and ranking applications.

What families are eligible to apply for the Designated Housing vouchers?
Non-elderly families having a person with disabilities that are income eligible and live in public housing that has been designated for occupancy, or non-elderly families having a person with disabilities who are on the PHA’s public housing waiting list. Such families need not be listed on the PHA’s housing choice voucher waiting list to be offered and receive a housing choice voucher. Instead they may be admitted to the program as a special admission.

How does a PHA determine if a family is income eligible for the Designated Housing vouchers?
The PHA compares the family’s annual income (gross income) with the HUD-established very low-income limit or low income limit for the area. The family's gross income cannot exceed this limit.

How do families obtain designated housing program vouchers?
Families apply to the local PHA that administers this program.

How do families obtain an apartment once they have a voucher?
It is the responsibility of a family to find a unit that meets their needs. If the family finds a unit that meets the housing quality standards, the rent is reasonable, and the unit meets other program requirements, the PHA executes a HAP contract with the property owner. This contract authorizes the PHA to make subsidy payments on behalf of the family. If the family moves out of the unit, the contract with the owner ends and the family can move with continued assistance to another unit

How much rent do vouchers cover?
The PHA pays the owner the difference between 30 percent of family income and PHA determined payment standard or gross rent whichever is lower. The family may choose a unit with a higher rent than the payment standard and pay the owner the difference.

Do families have to lease a unit in the jurisdiction where the PHA issued the voucher?
No. A family may choose a unit anywhere in the United States where there is a PHA that administers a tenant based voucher program. However, the family may only use the voucher to lease a unit in an area where the family is income eligible at admission to the program.

What regulations cover this voucher?
Regulations are found in 24 CFR Part 982.