Eligibility:

All low- and very- low income households are eligible to apply for rental assistance.  To be eligible to receive assistance, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

Priorities:  The following types of households will receive priority over others:
  Elderly or Near Elderly (over 50)
  Disabled
  Families with minor children or with disabled adult children
  Single pregnant women

  Single individuals who are victims of domestic violence or hate crimes

Single individuals and couples who do not meet any of the priorities above will not be assisted unless there are no eligible households on the waiting list.

Preferences:  To be assisted, an income eligible household who meets one of the Priorities above must also meet ONE of the local preferences:
  Rent burdened:  Paying in excess of 40% of monthly adjusted income for rent and utilities.
  Homeless or living in substandard housing.
  A victim of domestic violence or a hate crime (even if not elderly or disabled).

  Displaced persons:  From natural disaster, government action, housing unit is being sold, or family has to move because housing is under going extensive rehabilitation or demolition by private action.

In addition to the general priorities and preferences, several limited allocations of vouchers are tied to specific population groups.  These groups are as follows:

  Vouchers in Partnership for Success VIPS is a special allocation of vouchers for families with children who are receiving TANF, have been on TANF in the last two years or who would be eligible for TANF by virtue of their limited earnings from work. 

  Mainstream Vouchers are available for single persons with a disability.

  The Family Unification Program provides vouchers for families who have lost or are in danger of losing their children to the foster care system because of their lack of adequate housing (Families should talk to their case manager a Division of Children and Family Services for a referral).