Section 8 Assistance Programs
Housing Choice Voucher
(HCV) Program
This is the most popular rent subsidy program because:
- it offers the voucher holder "choice" as to where
you live (where you use the rent assistance), - if you move you can take the HCV assistance
with you, and - higher subsidies may be available for housing
located in higher cost areas.
The downside? There is a lengthy wait
for this type of rent assistance.
Check out Section 8 eligibility criteria and then apply.
Moderate Rehabilitation
(Mod Rehab) Program
The Mod Rehab Program can also be helpful to those in need of rental assistance. For some, the Mod Rehab Program is not as desirable as the Voucher Program because it does not offer the recipient as much flexibility as the Voucher Program; the subsidy is attached to specific apartments. However, if there happens to be a Mod Rehab vacancy that meets the family's needs, that family will most likely be assisted within a couple of weeks. Section 8 eligibility is based on income and Mod Rehab Vacancies are advertised through this website.
Section 8 "Set-Asides"
A small number of Section 8 Vouchers have been set aside for
individuals and families who meet certain criteria. These include:
- Family Unification Program (FUP)
- Homeless Initiative
- Mainstreaming People with Disabilities
- Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (VASH)
Family Unification Program (FUP)
A family may be eligible to receive a FUP voucher if "the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in the imminent placement of the family's child or children in out-of-home care, or in the delay of discharge of a child or children to the family from out of home care." The family may "lack adequate housing" because they're homeless, displaced by domestic violence, living in overcrowded or substandard housing, etc.
A committee made up of caseworkers from Erie County Department of Social Services (DSS) and Child Protection Services (CPS) determines whether or not a family meets the requirements for these special vouchers. Those deemed eligible are referred to Belmont for further review and determination of income.
Anyone seeking a FUP voucher should contact
their Erie County DSS or CPS caseworker.
Homeless Initiative
The Erie County PHA Consortium has set aside 225 Section 8 vouchers for families or individuals that are homeless. Eligible applicants must meet HUD's definition of homelessness and the Section 8 Income Guidelines. Initial eligibility is determined by Crisis Services.
Anyone seeking a Homeless Initiative voucher
should contact Crisis Services at (716) 834-3131.
U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD)
Definition of "Homeless"
The term "homeless" or "homeless individual or homeless person" includes: an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and an individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is:
- a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill);
- an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or
- a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
Income eligibility: A homeless individual shall be eligible for assistance if the individual complies with the income eligibility requirements applicable to such program.
Exclusion: The term "homeless" or "homeless individual" does not include any individual imprisoned or otherwise detained pursuant to an Act of the Congress or a State law.
Mainstreaming People with Disabilities
The Erie County PHA Consortium has set-aside 250 vouchers for people with disabilities. Whenever a voucher becomes available, Belmont Housing Resources contacts the next applicant on the waiting list who has indicated that an adult member of the household has a disability. An applicant will meet the initial eligibility test if they receive SSI, SSD or Veteran's benefits.
Those interested in being considered for a Mainstream Voucher should make sure they indicate a disability on their initial Section 8 Application.
Veterans Affairs Supportive
Housing Program (VASH)
In partnership with the WNY VA Healthcare System, Belmont administers a small number of vouchers that are targeted to homeless veterans. Once a veteran's eligibility is determined by the VA staff, he/she is assigned a social worker and referred to Belmont Housing Resources for subsidy calculation and housing search assistance.
Veterans interested in pursuing assistance
through this program must contact the VASH
Coordinator at the local VA Healthcare facility.
