Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

Formerly known as the Section 8 Certificate and Voucher program, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) is a Federal rental assistance program that the HRA administers in Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. To qualify, participants must meet the income guidelines that are established by HUD for the area of residence. Participants must use their HCV in Massachusetts for the first year. After the first year, participants may use the voucher for housing anywhere in the United States.

To be eligible for the HCVP, applicant's household income must be equal to or less than 50% of area median income for Franklin County, must satisfy a Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI) check, a Sex Offender Registration Inquiry (SORI) and be a tenant in good standing from any previous subsidized tenancies.

75% of available voucers are reserved for applicants who are at or below the extremely low-income levels for the Franklin County area, (30% of area median).

Program Benefits

Landlords receive the housing assistance payment directly from HRA. The housing assistance payment is based upon two factors: the applicable payment standard for the area, and the tenant’s total household income. The payment standards are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), and any increase/decease in them is based upon the local rental market study completed by the HRA for the given area. Program participants pay no more than 40% of their adjusted income toward their housing costs (rent & utilities).

Applications are available, in person, at the main office of the HRA. Applications may be mailed to persons with disabilities as a reasonable accommodation. Applications must be returned either by mail or in person to HRA. Faxed applications will not be accepted.