The DCA Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) application process is now completed entirely online via the Yardi platform. Applications can no longer be submitted via ZenDesk.
Please refer to DCA HCV Yardi Portal training article here for training videos and additional information about the new process.
Supplemental Contact Information Form (applies to all)
Please ensure completion of the Supplemental Contact Information Form." This allows DCA to communicate with a third-party, i.e. a case manager, on behalf of the household. This is essential for all DBHDD providers as they are supporting the application process.
Disability Verification Documentation (applies to all)
DCA recognizes all individuals coming through the DBHDD referral pathway have had their disability already verified by a licensed clinician. However, DCA still requires documentation of disability per HUD regulations. The DBHDD disability verification form used in the original referral (GHVP-24) can be provided if the original is on file or it can be completed by a non-licensed case manager because it has been previously validated on file w/ DBHDD, by simply leaving the clinician information blank. Please redact any PHI regarding actual diagnosis as DCA does not need it.
Providing disability verification guarantees the individuals will receive an additional financial allowance to reduce their rent cost burden so it is an easy win for each household. Providing these forms upfront with the initial application helps to eliminate potential barriers/delays in the process.
It does not need to be reviewed or signed by a doctor or psychiatrist, as that has already been required by DBHDD to get to this point in the process and to even have preferential access to the HCV program.
Reasonable Accommodation and Port Out Requests (applies to some)
Similarly, just for this partnership, the Reasonable Accommodation Form can also be completed by a non-licensed professional.
When an individual wishes to use their HCV voucher in another Public Housing Authority territory other than DCA's 149-county territory, such as DeKalb County, City of Atlanta, Chatham County, Cobb County, Muscogee County, etc, the application should also indicate the desire to port out when submitting the initial application.
Typically, port outs are not permitted by DCA until after 12 months UNLESS there is a request for a reasonable accommodation. Please ensure you complete that information if the individual plans to pursue porting their voucher.
While DCA is in "shortfall status" regarding their budget with HUD, regular HCV holders will not be permitted to port out their voucher to most PHAs, however, DBHDD referrals are exempt from this restriction so we may proceed with such requests until otherwise advised.
Documentation Alternatives
Attached to this article is a document identifying the acceptable alternatives to verification documents when the primary options are not readily available.
If you need further guidance on how to fill out an application correctly, please refer to our HCV Training materials.