Housing is a serious concern for many people. Finding housing can be extra challenging for people with special needs and accessibility concerns. The HUD Housing Voucher program can be a lifeline for families who need help paying for housing. It’s a government-funded program that lets families choose where they live so they can find secure, sanitary, and safe housing. Let’s take a closer look at how it works.
What is a HUD Housing Voucher?
The HUD housing choice voucher program is a way for low-income, elderly people, and people with disabilities to get help covering rent or housing costs. Its purpose is to help community members find safe, sanitary living spaces they can call home.
A HUD housing choice voucher gives people the freedom to find their own space. The voucher can cover the cost of living at an apartment, townhouse, or single-family home. The space just has to fit the program’s requirements.
Local public housing agencies (PHAs) are responsible for managing and distributing these vouchers. After a family secures their living arrangements, their PHA pays the landlord or property manager on their behalf. The family is then expected to pay any leftover rent.
HUD housing vouchers can also apply to a family’s current residence so long as the owner agrees to the terms. In some cases, you can even use a HUD voucher to purchase a small home!
Who is eligible for HUD choice housing vouchers?
Both US citizens and certain non-citizens with eligible immigration status can apply for the housing choice voucher program. However, getting approved for a voucher is a little more complicated. A family or person’s gross annual income must be lower than 50% of the median income of the county in which they live.
HUD Choice Housing Vouchers for Disabilities
Some HUD housing vouchers are designed specifically for people with disabilities. HUD disability housing vouchers can help cover rental costs for non-elderly individuals and their families in some situations. Keep in mind that these are specifically for families of adults under the age of 62.
Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers
NED housing choice vouchers (HCVs) are a way for non-elderly people with disabilities and their families to choose affordable, accessible housing.
To qualify, a family must meet the income requirements. Also, either the head of the household, co-head of the household, or a spouse must be non-elderly with a documented disability. This voucher cannot be used for families who have a minor with a disability.
The second category of NED vouchers applies to non-elderly disabled people who are transitioning from healthcare institutions into community living. These types of vouchers are only given to people who are currently living in places like nursing homes but are looking to transition out.
Designated Housing Vouchers
These vouchers also help non-elderly disabled (NED) families. They go to people who would have qualified for public housing but couldn’t receive it because the unit or facility was meant for elderly families. Instead of living in those unavailable units, recipients can get these vouchers to help them pay rent somewhere else.
The family does not need to be on the voucher waitlist to qualify and can be considered as a special admission.
Certain Developments Vouchers
These vouchers apply to families of non-elderly people with disabilities who:
- Do not receive housing assistance and
- Live in a development or building where the owners prefer or restrict occupancy to elderly people.
In these cases, the family does not need to be on the PHA waitlist, but they can show they are on the waiting list for development when they apply.
How Do I Get a HUD Housing Voucher?
To apply for HUD housing vouchers, contact your local PHA. They are responsible for handling and distributing the designated funds. You may need to get on a waiting list before being selected to fill out a HUD housing voucher application.
If you think you may qualify for a NED voucher, you can apply for one at any PHA. Just make sure the PHA handles this type of voucher and has an open waitlist. Not all PHAs have funding for NED vouchers. Here is a list of those who do.
You might be surprised to learn that an independent facilitator can help you apply for and use housing vouchers. Even though the SDP is separate from the HUD and PHAs, securing housing can align with your goals and individual program plan. This is where an independent facilitator can step in and provide extra guidance and support.
Find Support & Guidance on Disability Resources
There is a lot to know when it comes to navigating life with a disability. At NeuroNav, we are dedicated to providing helpful resources and thoughtful guidance for those who need it.
If you live in California and want to learn more about services that are available to you, the Self-Determination Program (SDP) can be a valuable resource. NeuroNav’s independent facilitation services can help you make choices about the support and services you receive.
Schedule a consultation today to get on the path to great independence and autonomy.
