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DCA Housing Choice Voucher Program Fillable Application

Updated

Attached to this article is a fillable PDF application to the Housing Choice Voucher administered by the Department of Community Affairs in 149 of 159 counties. This application is for use by DBHDD providers for individuals belonging to the DOJ settlement population. It is customized to reflect special accommodations for the settlement population accessing the program via the DBHDD supportive housing referral pathway and it should not be used as a regular application packet.

IN ORDER FOR PROVIDERS TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM DCA:

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.

Additional attachments include the Port Out Request to be used when an individual wishes to use their HCV voucher in another Public Housing Authority territory. When requested prior to 12 months after receiving the voucher, it must be accompanied by a Reasonable Accommodation Request, which is also attached here (see below for guidance on how to complete)

Disability Verification and Reasonable Accommodation Guidance

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 recompleted by a non-licensed case manager, leaving the clinician information blank. Please redact any PHI regarding actual diagnosis as DCA does not need it.

Similarly, just for this partnership, the Reasonable Accommodation Form can also be completed by a non-licensed professional.

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 the HCV application.

 

Lastly, there is a document identifying the acceptable alternatives to verification documents when the primary options are not readily available.

If you need guidance on how to fill out an application correctly, please refer to our HCV Training materials.

Application Submission and Review Steps:

  1. Use the ZenDesk request form, select "HCV" under Housing Program Request Type, and then the option for "HCV Application Submission". Attach all your HCV application materials, using the checklist on the first page as a guide.
  2. You must include the "Status 1" or "Status 4" Notice to Proceed issued by DBHDD when you submit the completed HCV application to DBHDD. The NTP will serve as certification of the individual's settlement preference for DCA.
  3. Complete the HUD Supplemental Contact Information Form to be able to receive updates about your application on behalf of the individual.
  4. Include the original GHVP-24 Disability Verification form (with PHI redacted) or complete another version (which can be signed by a non-licensed case manager).
  5. If the individual anticipates wanting to port their HCV voucher into another Public Housing Authority immediately, please help the individual complete the Port Request Form and the Reasonable Accommodation Request form (*can also be signed by a non-licensed case manager) and include them with your initial application for a faster process.
  6. DBHDD will review the application for completeness. If anything is deemed missing, the missing items will be requested by DBHDD before submission to DCA. The ticket will then be assigned to the DCA team for review.
  7. If DCA identifies missing information, it will be requested with a deadline for submission or the application may be denied due to insufficient information.
  8. Upon initial approval by DCA, the individual will then need to watch the HCV orientation and sign a document verifying completion and acceptance of the voucher. This will be returned to DCA on the same ticket.
  9. DCA will then fully issue the HCV voucher along with guidance on next steps regarding the housing search and Request for Tenancy Approval process. The HCV voucher is active for 120 days.
  10. DBHDD will make a Housing Support Program referral once the voucher becomes active and Solve the original Ticket.

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