Section 8 FAQs

In order to be eligible to participate in the Voucher Program, you must first be on the waiting list. Vouchers are given to the persons on the waiting list when they have been selected by date, time, and preference.

No, however, you must be at or below the very-low-income limits set by HUD to be eligible. Most all selections will be for the extremely low-income guidelines.

The household size / income limits for the voucher program are as follows:

• 1 - $18,700
• 2 - $21,400
• 3 - $24,050
• 4 - $26,700
• 5 - $28,850
• 6 - $31,000
• 7 - $33,150
• 8 - $35,250

You may still be eligible to participate providing your family income does not exceed the income limits for your family size.

The Housing Choice Voucher program is not an emergency housing program; therefore, assistance is not readily available for each applicant. A waiting list has been established and each applicant receives a number on the waiting list. Once their number is reached, the applicant is notified by mail and an appointment is scheduled. Determination of eligibility is conducted shortly thereafter. Due to limited funding, availability of Vouchers, and length of time participants remain on the program, applicants may be on the waiting list for several years.

We have information regarding shelter, food, healthcare, jobs, and other benefits.

Your application was received; you were put on the waiting list, now you have been selected to see if you are eligible to receive a Voucher. You will be asked to come to an interview to verify household composition, family income, provide birth certificates, social security cards for each household member, and sign and date forms needed to verify your eligibility.

The verification process is anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks long.

No, all adult members are required to attend the interview and sign the applicable documents and verifications forms. If any of the adult members are unable to attend, we will reschedule the family.

It is the applicant's responsibility to reschedule the interview if he/she misses the appointment. If the applicant does not reschedule or misses 2 scheduled meetings, HACG will reject the application, unless the applicant can provide acceptable documentation to HACG that an emergency prevented them from calling or attending. HACG will not reschedule the appointment more than twice.

The Housing Choice (Section 8) Voucher program is the Federal Government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to rent decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since the rental assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find and lease privately-owned housing, including single-family houses, mobile homes, townhouses, and apartments. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program.

No, available apartments, houses, etc. can be found on the following website: www.georgiahousingsearch.org.

No, just because the unit is listed does not mean that it qualifies for the Voucher program. There are several steps that have to be reviewed before it is considered appropriate for the Voucher program.

No, the Housing Authority will conduct the inspection at no cost to the tenant.

You may remain on the program as long as 30% of your adjusted gross income does not exceed your entire amount of rent, you also must not violate any family obligations under the program's regulations.

All voucher holders are required to attend a briefing session prior to participation in the program. You will actually receive your voucher at this session. This allows Assisted Housing staff to explain the program in its entirety so participants understand the rules and regulations of the program.

The initial term is for one year.

Yes, but please be aware that you are responsible for all portions of rent until the unit passes inspection and HACG enters into a contract with the owner. It is in your best interest to wait until everything has been completed.