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Housing Choice Voucher FAQs (from DCA)

Updated

General Questions

  1. How much is the voucher “worth?”
    The voucher does not have a dollar amount. However, the family income eligibility is based on family income, unit size, and the payment standard.
  2. Can I apply with no income? What if I don’t want to work but don’t qualify for SSI/SSDI?
    If the applicant is eligible to work, then we encourage the applicant to do so. Nonetheless, Eligibility will be determined based on income, household size, and income from other sources and household members.
  3. Can other people live with me on the voucher?
    Only approved household members listed on the voucher can live in the unit.
  4. How do I lose my voucher?
    A voucher can be lost if program rules are violated, such as not finding a unit within the required search time, not reporting income changes, failing to comply with lease terms, or committing fraud.
  5. How do I report someone for fraud/abuse?
    Fraud can be reported through the DCA’s fraud hotline or website. It’s essential to provide detailed information when submitting a report.
  6. Who do I contact if I need help with my voucher?
    Contact your assigned housing specialist for assistance.
  7. Do we have to provide any notarized letters or documents in the application process?
    NO - DCA no longer requires any notarized letters. If this is requested from you, please escalate it to DBHDD for resolution.
  8. Life insurance question: How does it work when individuals have a life insurance plan but they are not the policy holder?
    Life insurance policy documents are only requested if the individual is the policy holder.

Portability and Moving Questions

  1. How long can I stay on the voucher
    You can stay on the voucher if you meet all program requirements and comply with the lease agreement.
  2. How can I move with the voucher? What if I want to go out of state?
    You can move with the voucher, including out-of-state, through the portability process. Notify your housing specialist and follow the portability procedures.
  3. What happens if I get arrested or hospitalized? Do I lose my voucher?
    Being arrested or hospitalized does not automatically result in losing your voucher. However, it’s important to maintain contact with your housing specialist and comply with program requirements. DCA does not pay rent on vacant units.
  4. If someone needs to withdraw from HCV, what is the process?
    Individual or their provider should notify DCA in writing. If they are leased up, payment ends at end of the month. If not yet leased up, their voucher will be expired. If the individual has Housing Supports, the discharge must still go through the regular DBHDD discharge process.

Administrative Processes

  1. If we need an extension, how do we request it? What would qualify for an extension?
    You can request an extension by contacting your housing specialist. Extensions are typically granted for medical reasons, family emergencies, or other extenuating circumstances. Please refer to our Administrative Plan for additional information.
  2. Do HSPs submit the RFTA after the landlord completes it, or does the landlord send in the RFTA?
    That decision is up to the HSP; however, the landlord is typically responsible for submitting the RFTA, but the HSP may assist in ensuring it’s complete.
  3. How does HCV calculate rent for 0-income individuals?
    HCV typically calculates the tenant contribution as a percentage of income (30%). If the family has no income, there is a minimum rent requirement, which can vary by jurisdiction.

Utilities and Household Composition

  1. Are utilities covered? What qualifies a client for utility assistance?
    Utility assistance may be provided as part of the voucher. Check with your housing specialist to determine eligibility.
  2. Can they move out of state?
    Refer to #2 under the Portability and Moving Section.
  3. Can living aides live in the home?
    Yes, with approval from DCA. Live-in aides must meet program guidelines and be listed as part of the household composition.
  4. Do they cover relocation fees?
    The voucher program does not cover relocation fees.
  5. Can adult children live in the home?
    Only approved household members can live in the home. Adult children must be listed on the household composition form and approved by the housing authority.
  6. Do individuals have to be married to live in the home?
    Individuals do not have to be married to live in the home, but they must be approved and listed on the voucher.

RFTA and Landlord Concerns

  1. Can we lease in non-HUD-approved units?
    Units must meet HUD’s housing quality standards (HQS) to qualify for the program. DCA approval is required.
  2. What should landlords do if they’re not getting follow-up from DCA after the RFTA is submitted?
    We have up to ten business days to process an applicant’s RFTA. Once an RFTA is submitted, reviewed, and approved, the housing specialist will email the landlord and participant to guide them through the next steps. Due to the backlog, this process may take some time, and we ask for patience.
  3. Who should landlords contact with requests about documents or payment concerns for actively housed individuals?
    These should go to the Landlord Liaison at DCA: ownerinfo@dca.ga.gov 
  4. What about landlord questions about the RFTA and Inspection process?
    Questions about RFTA and inspections should be directed to the Housing Specialist that contacted the property about the RFTA approval. If you do not have their information to contact, utilize the liaison contact above.
  5. What’s a good response time to expect for any Landlord inquiries?
    Responses should be made within 2 business days.
  6. Are there landlord informational sessions?
    DCA hosts quarterly informational sessions for HCV property owners/managers. Please check DCA's website for upcoming dates.

Payments and Inspection

  1. How long does it take to receive payment?
    Payments are typically issued to the landlord monthly after the unit passes inspection, and we receive a signed and executed lease HAP contract.
  2. What are the payment standards for other PHAs (e.g., DeKalb, Fulton, etc.)?
    Each PHA sets its payment standards. Contact the relevant PHA for up-to-date standards.
  3. When searching for housing, is it based on the number of bedrooms or the price?
    It is based on both. The voucher is tied to the number of household members, not the number of bedrooms in a unit. The total rent must fall within the payment standard limits for the voucher size and zip code.
  4. How long do payments and inspections take?
    Inspections are typically scheduled within a few weeks of the RFTA submission, and payments are processed once the unit passes inspection, and we receive a signed lease and HAP contract.

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