Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

Program Overview

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), also known as Section 8, is a national rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program helps low- and moderate-income families rent housing in the private market by paying a portion of the family's rent each month. In Newark, the program is administered by the Newark Housing Authority (NHA).

NHA Responsibilities as Administrator

• Managing daily operations with fiscal integrity and adhering to Federal rules and regulations.
• Determining the eligibility of families and individuals for the program.
• Inspecting housing units to ensure they meet Federal health and safety guidelines.
• Paying the program’s portion of the rent to property owners promptly.
• Monitoring voucher participants and property owners for compliance with program rules.

Participants' Responsibilities

• Comply with program rules and lease terms.
• Allow housing inspections.
• Report changes in income and household composition.
• Maintain the unit in good condition.
• Cooperate with the property owner regarding necessary repairs.
• Cooperate with NHA for initial, annual, and complaint inspections.

Income Eligibility

Income eligibility for the Housing Choice Voucher Program is determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) based on family size. There are two main income limits used for eligibility:

• Very Low Income Limit: 50% of the area median income.
• Low-Income Limit: 80% of the area median income.

Generally, the very low income limit is used to determine initial eligibility, with some exceptions. HUD also sets an extremely low-income limit (30% of area median income) for income targeting, requiring that not less than 75% of families admitted from the waiting list fall under this category, with some possible HUD-approved exceptions.