February 26, 2008 |
2008-R-0153 | |
SECTION 8 RENTAL VOUCHER PROGRAM | ||
By: Julia Thomson-Philbrook, Legislative Analyst | ||
You asked if the federal government's Section 8 rental voucher program imposes quotas on or establishes goals for communities.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the Section 8 rental voucher program. The program enables very low-income families to secure privately owned housing by providing rental vouchers.
HUD does not impose quotas on or establish goals for communities or eligible public housing authorities. Further, there is no limit on the number of vouchers issued and private property owners may not refuse to rent to Section 8 voucher holders. Last year, the Department of Social Services received $56,655,873 for its Section 8 program. Approximately 42 Connecticut housing authorities also received funds from the federal government for Section 8 vouchers.
Families with incomes below 50% of area median income (AMI) are eligible for the Section 8 rental voucher program. However, HUD also distributes Section 8 vouchers to families with up to approximately 80% of AMI, in conjunction with other HUD programs. HUD also adjusts income limits based on fair market rents.
The following chart outlines HUD's income limits for a four-person family for four Connecticut cities.
City |
AMI (in $) |
Extremely low (30% AMI, in $) |
Very Low Income (50% AMI, in $) |
Low Income (80% AMI, in $) |
Bridgeport |
81,100 |
24,350 |
40,550 |
61,500 |
Hartford |
81,100 |
24,350 |
40,550 |
61,500 |
Stamford |
117,80 |
35,350 |
58,900 |
76,550 |
Waterbury |
63,700 |
23,050 |
38,450 |
61,500 |
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