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MHRA Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program

Overview

The Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is one of the federal government’s largest programs for helping lower income families afford housing. In the HCV Program, MHRA provides you with financial assistance so you can afford an apartment owned by a private landlord, offering families freedom of choice in finding a suitable unit within the local area.

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Section 8 Landlord Resources

If you are a landlord looking to participate or currently participating in MHRA Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher program, please see FOR LANDLORDS or click below.

Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Resources

Waiting ListsC
Income LimitsC
Frequently Asked QuestionsC
Forms & DocumentsC
Estimated wait time varies greatly depending on the waiting list you are on. All applicants will be processed from the waiting list by date of application and preferences. Please refer to Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority Applicant Handbook.

Waiting Periods for Section 8/HCV from Date of Application

Group Name (All Bedroom Size)Waiting Period as of April 12, 2024
Voucher (Section 8)3+ years
Elderly/Disabled with Services3-12 months with approval
SRO, FIT, VASH6 months
HomelessUpon Availability
MainstreamUpon Availability
Non-Elderly/DisabledUpon Availability

Applicants are required to keep MHRA updated about changes to address, phone number, income, or family size. To update your information, please provide in writing and mail your changes to the following address:

Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority

198 Hanover Street
Manchester, NH 03104-6125
Attn: Intake Department

Number of Persons in Family30% AMI Income Limit
Effective 4/1/24
50% AMI Income Limit
Effective 4/1/24
Number of Persons in Family30% AMI Income Limit
Effective 4/1/24
50% AMI Income Limit
Effective 4/1/24
1$24,050$40,0506$41,960$66,400
2$27,450$45,8007$47,340$70,950
3$30,900$51,5008$52,720$75,550
4$34,300$57,2009$58,100$80,100
5$37,050$61,80010$63,480$84,700

Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher FAQ

What is the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is one of the federal government’s largest programs for helping lower-income families obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing. In the HCV Program, MHRA provides financial assistance (rental assistance) so you can afford an apartment owned by a private landlord, offering families freedom of choice in finding a suitable unit within the local area.

What are the different types of Voucher Programs?

Aside from separate funding appropriations and possibly serving a specific population, each of the voucher programs follow the same program requirements as standard vouchers (HCV). The programs are: 

  • Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) – Provided to an eligible individual/family to assist with rental payments. This voucher is issued to the individual or family. Known as tenant-based assistance.
  • Project-Based Voucher (PBV) – PBVs are tied to a particular private or nonprofit income-restricted development, sometimes a development funded with Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), which ensure new or existing tenants pay no more than 30% of their income. The voucher stays with the unit/project.
  • Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) – Since 2008, HCV program funding has provided rental assistance under a supportive housing program for homeless veterans. The VASH program combines HCV rental assistance with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), or through a designated service provider (DSP) as approved by the VA Secretary. Eligible families are homeless veterans and their families that agree to participate in VA case management and are referred to the VAMC’s partner, MHRA, for HCV assistance.
  • Moderate Rehabilitation Program for Single Room Occupancy Dwellings (for Robinson Housing Residents) (SRO) – All applicants applying for the Moderate Rehabilitation Program will be placed on the active waiting list if accompanied by a referral from the current manager of the Robinson House. The referral will include documentation of homeless status as well as the referral agency’s approval for this program. This is a project-based voucher.
  • Families in Transition (FIT) – A project-based voucher that requires a referral from Families in Transition.
  • Mainstream Voucher (MS) – Mainstream vouchers assist non-elderly persons with disabilities and their families in the form of either project-based or tenant-based voucher assistance.
  • Non-Elderly/Disabled (NED) – NED vouchers help non-elderly disabled families lease suitable, accessible, and affordable housing in the private market. Tenant-based assistance.
  • Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) – A temporary tenant-based rental assistance program for individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking or recently homeless and at high risk of housing instability.
  • Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) – FYI allows PHAs who partner with a Public Child Welfare Agency (PCWA) to request targeted HCVs to serve eligible youth with a history of child welfare involvement that are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Rental assistance and supportive services are provided to qualified youth for a period of between 36 and 60 months.
  • HOMELESS

How much assistance will I get?

If MHRA determines that you are eligible for the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program, it provides a document that says you are eligible to receive a certain amount of rental assistance each month. The amount of rental assistance that you receive depends upon your income and is intended to limit your portion of the rent payment to about 30% of your monthly income.

You may use your Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher assistance for your current apartment or move to another apartment. In either case, the landlord must be willing to sign a contract with MHRA and the apartment must meet a set of program standards (called the Housing Quality Standards) as well as local housing codes. The owner may check references to see if you are likely to be a responsible resident.

Before you receive rental assistance, MHRA staff will fully explain what you should look for in an apartment under the program. 

What information will I have to provide? Am I eligible?

As with the Public Housing Program, all the information that you provide about your income will be carefully checked with employers, banks, and other sources of income before you are found to be eligible.

Former recipients of federal housing assistance who left a program owing back rent or other charges must pay the balance owed before being considered for the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program.

A history of drug and/or alcohol related or violent criminal activity which might threaten the health, safety or peaceful existence of others may be grounds for disqualification from Section 8/HCV Program eligibility.

How do I apply?

To apply for the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program, there are two options for application. Complete our online application (link to application page), which is available in English and Spanish, or print an application (link to paper application), fill it out, sign it, and return it to MHRA at our main office. Instructions for both applications can be found on the Apply for Housing or Rental Assistance (link to Apply page) page.

Are vouchers used only to help cover rental costs?

No. Vouchers are sometimes used to help with mortgage payments, enabling low-income families to purchase homes.

Does MHRA offer any type of emergency rental assistance?

The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program for those individuals and/or families who are homeless and/or fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. At this time, no other emergency rental assistance funds are offered.

MHRA Forms

HUD Forms