Housing Choice Voucher Program

What Is It?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program assists very low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities to rent decent, safe, and sanitary housing available in the private market. The Cumberland County Housing Authority receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the program.

A rental subsidy is paid directly by the Authority to the landlord on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Applicants must meet income guidelines and other eligibility requirements. Typically, there is a waiting list for the program. “Section 8” refers to part of the U.S. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 that covers subsidized housing for low-income individuals. Under Section 8 of the law, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides financial assistance to low-income households to pay their rent using the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

To understand the Housing Choice Voucher processing in further detail, please watch the video below.