Housing Choice Voucher Program                     (Section 8 Rental Assistance)

The Housing Choice Voucher  (HCV) program is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This program works together with the landlord, the Snyder County Housing Authority, and the applicant to provide rental assistance to eligible families.  Through a Shared Jurisdiction Agreement with the Housing Authority of Union County, Voucher holders are able to find suitable housing in either Snyder or Union Counties but are administered through the Snyder County Housing Authority.  Preferences are provided to victims of natural disaster (Category 1) , those who live or work in Snyder County (Category 2),  and those who live or work in Union County (Category 3).  All applicants that do not have a preference will be categorized in Category 4.    In order to apply and qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher, there are six steps you need to take.

STEP 1 : Application & Eligibility

Applications are available 24/7 outside of the Housing Authority office in the forms box. Eligibility is based on:

1a. Income eligibility

Income includes, but is not limited to: Wages, Child Support, Social Security, SSI, SSP, Pension, Public Assistance, VA Benefits, Military Allotment, income from assets, payments-in-kind (when bills are paid or items are given in lieu of cash). Income limits are as follows

Must qualify as a family or evidence of a stable relationship. A stable relationship is having lived together for at least six months, and providing evidence of such relationship such as birth certificates of children, a joint tax return, prior lease held jointly, joint bank accounts, insurance policies, prior joint credit history, or equivalent documentation as determined by the Housing Authority.

1b. Criminal History

1c. Prior subsidized housing history

STEP 2 : Interview

When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will be scheduled for an interview to determine your eligibility and any preferences you may have. Download your interview packet here.  Do NOT provide this unless you have been asked to do so, you will complete them at the time of your interview.

STEP 3 : Video Briefing and Issuing of Voucher

Once you have been determined eligible, you will be required to attend a Video Briefing wherein the Housing Choice Voucher Program will be explained to you and you will be issued a Voucher based on the bedroom size you are eligible. You will have an initial sixty (60) days to locate housing.

• The maximum housing Assistance you are eligible for will be calculated by deducting 30% of your adjusted from the payment standard for the bedroom size of your Voucher.
• You will pay between 30% – 40% of your adjusted gross monthly income.

STEP 4 : Submit a Request for Tenancy Approval

Upon submission, the rent must be certified as reasonable and a determination made that you will not be paying more than 40% of your income.

STEP 5 : Pass Unit Inspection

All units must be inspected and certified to meet Housing Quality Standards.

STEP 6 : Sign Contracts

The owner of the rental unit must sign a Housing Assistance Payments Contract with the Housing Authority. A lease is also required between you and the Owner, with a HUD Tenancy Addendum attached. Obligations of all parties will be outlined, and the amount of rental assistance you will receive.