- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Community & Economic Development
- Housing & Community Development
- Housing Choice Voucher Program
- Information for HCV Program Applicants and Renters
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Basics
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as “Section 8”, is a federally funded program that subsidizes rents for eligible families. It is designed to assist very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled to rent decent, safe and sanitary housing. A housing subsidy is paid directly to the landlord on behalf of a participating family. A family consists of one or more household members, and the household income must meet Federal Income Limit Guidelines. Acceptance into the program is based on income verification, eligibility requirements and preference factors.
Federal Income Guidelines Effective 4/1/2018 |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Persons in Family | Extremely Low Income 30% of Median |
Very Low Income 50% of Median |
Low Income 80% of Median |
1 Person | $21,250 |
$35,350 |
$52,850 |
2 Person | $24,250 |
$40,400 |
$60,400 |
3 Person | $27,300 |
$45,450 |
$67,950 |
4 Person | $30,300 |
$50,500 |
$75,500 |
5 Person | $32,750 |
$54,550 |
$75,500 |
6 Person | $35,150 |
$58,600 |
$87,600 |
7 Person | $39,010 |
$62,650 |
$93,650 |
8 Person | $43,430 |
$66,700 |
$99,700 |
Preferences
Harford County Housing and Community Development uses equally weighted local preferences for applicants, with priorities for those who live or work in Harford County and are in one or more of the following categories: families with dependent children, working families, elderly families, disabled families, veterans or surviving spouses of veterans (other than dishonorable discharge), and the homeless.
Application
Pre-applications are being accepted on-line only at https://www.waitlistcheck.com/MD1355.
After you have successfully applied, you will receive a receipt with a confirmation number and instructions for checking your application status online at www.waitlistcheck.com. You may also check your application status by calling 1-877-204-9098. *ALLOW 7-10 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THE APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED IN OUR SYSTEM*
If you move while you are on the wait list, let us know. Please click here to change your address. Failure to provide your current contact information may result in your name being removed from the waiting list.
Process
- Application: The family completes the preliminary application, and the family's name is placed on the waiting list.
- Enrollment: When the family is selected from the waiting list, an enrollment interview is scheduled and eligibility is determined.
- Certification: If determined eligible, the family attends a briefing session where information is provided on how the Program works and how to obtain housing suitable for the family's needs.
- Housing Selection: The family finds housing within 60 days that meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards and allowable rent limits.
- Negotiation: The family comes to an agreement with the Landlord on lease terms.
- Agency Review: The Housing Agency evaluates the lease and inspects the dwelling unit to determine if they meet Program standards.
- Approval: The Housing Agency determines approval or disapproval of the lease and unit.
- Program Participation: Upon Agency approval of the lease and unit, the Housing Agency and Landlord enter into a contract on behalf of the family for the unit. @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
For more information about the Housing Choice Voucher Program, call the Housing Agency at 410-638-3045.
-
Physical Address
15 South Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410-638-3045Fax: 410-879-7148 or 410-893-9816