The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program—commonly known as Section 8—is a federally funded rental assistance program that helps low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities afford safe and decent housing in the private market.
The HCV program provides rental assistance to eligible households by paying a portion of the rent directly to landlords. Participants are free to choose their own housing, including single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes, as long as the unit meets program requirements.
A tenant-based voucher is linked to the individual or family, not the unit. The household may choose any qualifying unit and may take the voucher with them if they move.
A project-based voucher is tied to a specific housing unit. Assistance is only available while the family lives in that unit. If the family moves out, the assistance stays with the unit.
The Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Voucher Program is part of the Housing Choice Voucher Program. It is designed to assist low-income individuals and families where the head of household, spouse, or co-head is a person with a disability and is under the age of 62.
These vouchers help eligible individuals with disabilities live independently in the community rather than in an institutional or segregated setting. NED vouchers function the same as regular Housing Choice Vouchers, meaning participants can use them to rent housing of their choice in the private market, provided it meets program requirements.
To qualify for a NED voucher, applicants must:
· Be under the age of 62;
· Have a documented disability;
· Meet the income eligibility requirements for the Housing Choice Voucher program;
· The disabled person must be the head of household, spouse, or co-head;
· Meet any additional local eligibility requirements.
· NED vouchers are tenant-based, meaning the assistance is tied to the tenant, not the unit.
· The participant pays a portion of the rent (typically 30% of their income), and the voucher covers the remaining cost directly to the landlord.
· Participants are free to move with continued assistance as long as they comply with program rules and give proper notice.
The HUD-VASH program combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
· For eligible veterans experiencing homelessness.
· Must be referred by the local VA.
· Includes supportive services such as health care, substance use treatment, and mental health counseling.
· Housing assistance is provided through a tenant-based voucher.
If you are a veteran in need of housing assistance, contact your local VA Medical Center or VA caseworker for eligibility and referral information.
The Mainstream Voucher Program is a component of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) specifically designed to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities.
· The family must have a person who: 1) has a disability, and 2) is 18 years of age or older and less than 62 years of age
· Other than household eligibility requirements stated above, Mainstream Vouchers follow the same program policies as the regular tenant-based voucher HCV program.
· Applications are accepted only when the waiting list is open.
· Important: Applications are subject to closure without notice once capacity is reached.
Visit our Announcements Page or call our office for updates on waiting list status.