Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Section 8 Tenant-Based Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program provides rental assistance to help eligible families live in safe and decent housing of their choice and pay approximately 30% of their income for rent.  BHA pays the balance of the rent to the housing provider. 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides the Bennington Housing Authority with funding for Section 8 HCV rental assistance to up to 260 households.  Five-three of the rental assistance subsidies are funded under the Section 8 HCV Mainstream program and are available only to eligible households with a non-elderly disabled adult (18-61) family member.   

Individuals and households whose income is below the Very Low-Income Limits for Bennington County may qualify for this program. If a household is qualified, the household will be placed on the Section 8 HCV waiting list based on date and time of application.

BHA gives a preference to applicants which are residents of its Area of Operation (Town of Bennington and a six-mile radius.).  Applicants eligible for the Section 8 HCV Mainstream program may also receive a preference if they are (1) currently experiencing homelessness or (2) previously experienced homelessness and are currently a client in a permanent supporting housing or rapid rehousing project.

When an applicant reaches the top of the waiting list, the applicant will need to complete a Final Application form to confirm continued eligibility.  If determined eligible, the household will be issued a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher so that they can find an appropriate apartment. The voucher sets forth the bedroom size the family needs and outlines the family’s obligations under the program and the period of time the family has to locate suitable housing.

The apartment must pass HUD Housing Quality Standards and have a reasonable rent.  BHA will enter into Housing Assistance Payment Contract with the landlord and the household will sign a lease which will state a tenant portion of the rent.  BHA will make monthly payments to the landlord for the difference between the Contract Rent for the apartment and the Tenant Contribution.

You may apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program by completing a Preliminary Application for Housing or Rental Assistance and attaching all required attachments and documentation. 

Bennington Housing Authority’s Section 8 Administrative Plan provides more detail regarding HUD program requirements and the BHA Section 8 policies and procedures.

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