Section 8 Voucher Program

This program is not an emergency form of assistance.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a rental assistance program for very low income persons.

  FY 2010 Income Limits Summary for Madison County, Nebraska

Income Guidelines

From the beginning stages of the application process to notification of assistance availability, the wait can be several months, it varies and can change at anytime. This timeframe requires that the applicant provide all necessary documentation to process the application. Without all required documentation from the applicant, this process can take much longer. The no preference waiting list is on a first come first serve basis.

At such time as the Housing Agency can provide assistance, the applicant is required to attend a "briefing" and is provided a Housing Choice Voucher during this briefing. The voucher is not money, only a contract with the Housing Agency. This contract allows the applicant to look for housing which will:
·    Fit the price range determined to be acceptable for the family based on family size and income
·    Include a landlord/owner who is willing to work with the Housing Agency and sign a contract to this effect, and
·    Pass inspection

When determining whether a family fits the income requirements, the Housing Agency uses figures provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These figures change annually, so a family found to be ineligible due to being over-income may chose to reapply when the figures change each Spring.

Locating housing is the responsibility of the applicant, but the Housing Agency will attempt to give information regarding known vacancies whenever possible. New landlords come into the program frequently. A list of available units can be found at www.housing.ne.gov 

The Housing Agency works with over 254 families and nearly 100 landlords in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Funds used to subsidize a family's rent come from HUD and are administered by the Housing Agency.