What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the PHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

For more information, please visit the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) website:

(https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8)

Who Manages the Section 8 Program in East Hampton?

The Town of East Hampton Office of Housing and Community Development manages the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Project-specific voucher programs are administered by the Housing Agency that manages the individual housing development.

The Program is governed by a Management Plan which is adopted by the Town Board annually.

2023 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Comprehensive Management Plan

How can I apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program? 

The waiting list for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is CURRENTLY CLOSED and the Town does not anticipate it opening for a number of years. There is a substantial wait list.

Waiting list for project-specific Section 8 programs are administered by the Housing Agency that manages the individual housing development. 

East Hampton Housing Authority:

• Accabonac Apartments (East Hampton)
• Springs-Fireplace Apartments (East Hampton)
• Three Mile Harbor (East Hampton)
• Gansett Meadows (Amagansett)
• Avallone Apartments (Montauk)

Whalebone Village HDFC:

• Whalebone Village (East Hampton)

Windmill Village HDFC:

• Windmill I Senior Housing (East Hampton)
• Windmill II Senior Housing (East Hampton)

St. Michael’s Senior Housing (Amagansett)

Do I qualify for rent payment assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?

In order to qualify for the Program, a household must not have a combined income exceeding 50% of Area Median Income. Use the table provided below to determine if your household qualifies. Please note that the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) sets these income limits and updates them on a roughly annual basis. 

The payment standards for the Section 8 program are different depending upon the unit type and the hamlet the units are located in. Details of the Program are more clearly explained in the Section 8 management plan for the Year 2023.  

2023 Income Qualifications based on Household Size

I am a landlord who is looking to offer housing units through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. How can I find additional information about the Program?
 
 

Anyone interested in being a landlord should read the attached Landlord’s Guide and contact the Office of Housing and Community Development either by phone or via email.