Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program

What is the HCV Program?

The HCV (Section 8) program helps low-income individuals and families afford safe, decent, and affordable housing in the private rental market. Through this program, participants receive a housing voucher that can be used to rent from private landlords - providing flexibility and choice where they live. 

Participants can choose from a variety of housing types, including single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, apartments, and even mobile homes. Families may select any unit in the community that meets program requirements and is approved by both the landlord and the Housing Authority of San Angelo (HASA).

Typically, families pay 30-40% of their monthly adjusted income toward rent and utilities. HASA pays the remaining portion of the rent directly to the landlord through a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). This shared payment structure makes quality housing more affordable and stable for participating families.  

Who is eligible to receive HCV (Section 8) rental assistance?

Eligibility for the HCV (Section 8) program is determined by the HASA based on household income, household composition (family size), and citizenship  or eligible immigration status. Assistance is generally limited to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. Each household must include at least one member who is a U.S. citizen or has eligible immigration status.

In general, household income must not exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as published by HUD. Income limits vary by location and household size. The HCV (Section 8) program operates using a waiting list. Applications can be submitted online, and when your name reaches the top of the list, HASA will invite you to a preliminary eligibility briefing to begin the qualification process. 

Where can I live and how is the rental assistance paid?

Once you receive your housing voucher, you may search for a rental unit within the community that meets the rent and size limits specified in your voucher. The unit must also meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) to ensure it is decent, safe, and sanitary. At your voucher certification appointment, you will receive HUD's booklet A Good Place to Live, which outlines these standards in detail.

After you select a unit, the HASA will inspect it to ensure it meets program requirements. Once the unit passes inspection, you must take possession within 14 days of the passed inspection.

The family and landlord will enter into a one-year lease, and HASA will sign a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract with the landlord. The assisted family agrees to follow the program's rules and obligations and is responsible for paying their portion of rent directly to the landlord. The HASA pays the subsidy portion each month directly to the landlord on the family's behalf as well. 

Can I move with continued assistance?

Yes. The HCV Program offers flexibility by allowing families to move while continuing to receive housing assistance. Moves may occur due to changes in family size, employment, or other personal circumstances. After the first year of assistance, moves are generally permitted if the family: 

• Notifies the HASA 45-60 days before the desired move date,
• Fulfills all lease obligations,
• Provides proper notice to the current landlord,
• Submits an Intent to Move form to the HASA caseworker, and
• Finds an eligible new unit that passes inspection.

Voucher holders who were living within HASA's jurisdiction when they applied may move anywhere in the United States where an HCV Program operates. Families who were not residing in the HASA's jurisdiction at the time of application must first lease a unit locally before transferring assistance elsewhere. If you plan to move to another housing authority's jurisdiction, contact your HASA caseworker for guidance on the portability (transfer) process.  

Eligibility Income Limits

Payment Standards

Fair Market Rents