Rental Assistance Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.
THDA administers the Housing Choice Voucher program in 75 Tennessee counties. The remaining counties are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). THDA and other PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.
A family that is issued a Housing Choice Voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by THDA or the PHA.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by THDA or another PHA 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.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility for a Housing Choice Voucher is determined by THDA based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. By law, THDA must provide 75 percent of its vouchers to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location.Once your name comes to the top of the waiting list, THDA will collect information about your family, income, assets and certain medical and childcare expenses. Your final eligibility will be determined at that time. If you are eligible, you will receive a voucher and will be able to search for a home.