WHAT IS SECTION 8?
SECTION 8
The Summit Housing Authority does not have a Section 8 Voucher program. The SHA operates a public housing program governed by Section 8 regulations. The term Section 8 identifies the Section of federal legislation that enabled federal rent subsidy programs. Both public housing and Voucher programs were enabled by Section 8 Housing legislation. Federal income limits for Section 8 housing most often refer to the following income categories:
LOW INCOME - These are applicants whose income is AT OR BELOW 80% of the area median VERY LOW INCOME – These are applicants whose income is AT OR BELOW 50% of the area median.
Annually, the Federal Government releases schedules which define these levels for various geographic areas throughout the country.
These maximum income levels refer to MOVE-IN income levels. Housing assistance being received by an in-place tenant cannot be terminated because of an increase in family income. For program eligibility, the tenant must be AT OR BELOW the LOW INCOME limits only at the time of admission to the property.
Tenants eligible for Section 8 subsidy programs are required to pay 30% off their income for rent. The Total Tenant Rental Payment is determined by adjusting income through the application of certain deductions which are allowed by HUD. These deductions are determined by factors such as the number of children within a family, whether the head of the family is elderly or handicapped as well as other factors which may directly affect an applicant’s income.
SECTION 8 VOUCHERS OR CERTIFICATES
Section 8 Vouchers and Certificates are administered and issued by Public Housing Agencies to allow households to rent any privately owned unit that meets the agency’s quality standards and rent limits. This program includes a portability feature. Portability allows voucher holders to transfer their voucher to any public housing authority in the country. Portability remains dependent upon the receiving PHA having a voucher program budget capable of absorbing an additional voucher recipient.
Both of the subsidy programs mentioned above have specific criteria for admission. Applicant eligibility criteria usually include:
1. Household characteristics 2. Household income
It remains the responsibility of the local public housing authorities to efficiently manage these programs in a manner consistent with applicable HUD regulations.
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