Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is a Federal HUD program to assist low-income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities to rent safe, decent, affordable housing in a community. The Section 8 program is administered by local public housing agencies (PHAs). In Florida, the PHA is often the local Public Housing Authority within a community. The Section 8 program provides rental assistance only. Although Section 8 vouchers may be used in assisted living facilities, they cannot be used to pay for meals or services.

TENANT AND PROJECT-BASED VOUCHERS

Tenant-based vouchers are the most common type of vouchers and are issued to individuals who qualify financially. Tenant-based vouchers are portable and may be used towards the rent of any approved housing unit within a community.

Project-based vouchers are vouchers that are committed to a specific housing unit or facility. Project-based vouchers are fixed and remain with the facility even if the tenant leaves.

FACILITY INFORMATION

Because Section 8 vouchers cannot be used to pay for services, assisted living facility contracts must separate housing costs and service costs. In addition, assisted living facilities that accept Section 8 vouchers must be inspected annually by the issuing PHA and enter into Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract.

RENT OBLIGATION AND REIMBURSEMENT

The PHA reimbursement rate is equal to the difference in the Fair Market Rent and the resident's rent obligation. The Fair Market Rent is adjusted annually.

The resident's rent obligation is equal to 30% of his or her adjusted gross income.

RESIDENT ELIGIBILITY

Individuals are eligible for Section 8 vouchers if their income is at or below 50% of the Area Median Income of a community.

Note: It is possible to combine the Section 8 vouchers with Optional State Supplementation, Assistive Care Services, and/or the ALE Medicaid Waiver programs that are available to frail elders in Florida.

For additional information, please go to the Department of Housing and Urban Development or contact your local housing authority.