Housing Choice Voucher Program Wait List to Open
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8) is part of Georgia's comprehensive housing program administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). This is a tenant-based rental assistance program that assists extremely low- and low-income individuals and families rent safe, decent, and affordable dwelling units in the private rental market. The program was created by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Click here for the link to wait list for this program, which will be open from April 22-26. Please keep reading for frequently asked questions about eligibility, timelines, and selection.
How does the Housing Choice Voucher program help people?
The Housing Choice Voucher program assists very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
How long has it been since people could apply to the program?
The wait list was last open in 2017.
Why is the wait list opening up now?
The current wait list has been exhausted and DCA is looking to replenish the wait list with new applicants.
How long will it be open, and what can people expect when they apply?
The wait list will be open for five days and will be available 24 hours a day. Our online preliminary application is an easy, step-by-step process. It is important know (prior to applying) the names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, annual income, and assets for all household members.
Can the list be opened for a longer period of time? Why or why not?
Yes, if DCA determines more time is needed.
What is the criteria for acceptance into the program?
Eligibility is determined by the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live.
Is selection on a first-come, first-served basis?
No; DCA will instead use a lottery system which will randomly draw potential participants from the applicant pool. This means an individual can submit an application in at any time. Whether they apply in the first hour or the last hour of the portal being opened, the chances are the same for being selected. Also, the order in which an individual is processed is not dependent on what time of the day or what day of the week they applied.
How will I know if I am selected?
DCA will notify each applicant in writing. Once their name appears at the top of the wait list, DCA will contact the applicant to complete and submit paperwork and attend a briefing.
If I am selected, how long will I receive financial assistance?
For as long as needed. Families, however, must follow program rules and requirements in order to maintain assistance.
If I am not selected, when can I apply again?
Applications can only be submitted when our wait list is open. Please continue to check our website for future opening dates.
Who can people contact for more information?
The wait list link is here. Any questions can be emailed to applygadca@dca.ga.gov.
