Who has preference for Section 8 vouchers?
The DHCD and the local public housing authorities set their own preferences for the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers they issue. Because the number of vouchers is limited and so many people apply for them, you may not be able to get a voucher unless you are in a preference category. Preference categories vary from one housing authority to another. However, most local housing authorities have some of the following preferences: • Residency preference: People who live or work in their community • Substandard housing and homeless preference: People who are homeless, or people living in substandard housing where their health, safety, or well-being is at risk • Involuntary displacement preference: People who are forced to move from their homes through no fault of their own (because of disaster, government action, action of the property owner, domestic violence, hate crimes, or other causes) • Rent burden preference: Households who are paying more than 50% of their income for rent and utilit
