Housing Choice Voucher
(HCV)
Program
Overview
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (HUD — Section 8) is the Federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled decent, safe and affordable housing in the private market.
The Winchester Housing Authority primarily services families and individuals within Winsted and the surrounding communities.
Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual; participants are able to find their own housing that meets the requirements of the program. Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) are administered locally by a Public Housing Authority (PHA). The PHA receives Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.
The housing unit selected must meet an acceptable level of sanitation and safety before the PHA will approve the unit. When the voucher holder finds a unit they wish to occupy and reaches an agreement with the owner/landlord over the lease terms, the PHA must inspect the dwelling and determine that the rent requested is reasonable.
A housing subsidy is paid to the owner/landlord directly on behalf of the participating family or individual, by the PHA. The family or individual then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the owner/landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.
The family or individuals portion of the rent is based on their income so it is the family or individuals responsibility to notify the PHA of any changes in income or household composition immediately. Failure to do so is considered fraud.
At least annually, the voucher holder must re-establish eligibility for the program. The unit is re-inspected, by the PHA, to ensure that it continues to meet the Section 8 — HUD standards.
To apply, or for more information, on the
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 — HUD)
Call (860) 379-7001 option 1 (spell your name and address clearly)
and an application will be mailed to you.
* We are ONLY taking applications from residents of our Rental Assistance Alliance
at this time.
All other application requests will not be given preference at this time.
Note: The Housing Choice Voucher Program and the Single Room Occupancy Program are different applications. To ensure you receive the application you'd like,
please specify (in your voicemail) which program you are applying for.
