Income Limits
Income limits are used to determine whether a household qualifies for the HCV program. HUD publishes current income limits based on family size and area median income.
Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8, is the federal government's primary tool for helping low-income families, elderly residents, and persons with disabilities afford safe, decent housing in the private rental market.
HACY began its voucher program assisting 200 families. Today, HACY assists 1,451 families throughout the Yuma area. HACY administers contracts with approximately 400 local landlords and property owners, working together to provide affordable housing opportunities to persons in need.
The program is administered under an Annual Contributions Contract (ACC) with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD provides ACC funding to enable HACY to structure lease agreements that set the program participant's rent at 30% of household income after deductions.
Review eligibility requirements and learn how to apply for the Housing Choice Voucher program.
HACY currently provides rental assistance to 1,451 households throughout the Yuma area.
Approximately 400 local property owners partner with HACY to make affordable housing available to voucher holders.
HUD's rental subsidy portion exceeds $7,000,000 annually, with HACY's program operations budget at approximately $1,000,000.
HACY subsidizes each household's rent through a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract with the landlord or property owner. The HAP contract defines the subsidy HACY pays directly to the landlord each month on behalf of the voucher holder.
Participants pay approximately 30% of their adjusted household income toward rent and utilities. HACY pays the difference between that amount and the actual rent, up to the agency's payment standard for the area.
To qualify for the HCV program, households must meet HUD income limits for the Yuma area. The following documents govern eligibility and payment amounts.
Income limits are used to determine whether a household qualifies for the HCV program. HUD publishes current income limits based on family size and area median income.
HACY's payment standards set the maximum amount the agency will pay for rent and utilities. Payment standards are not the maximum rent a landlord may charge, nor the full subsidy the tenant receives. Contact HACY for current payment standard schedules.
The HCV Administrative Plan contains the policies and procedures that govern HACY's Section 8 program, including how the waiting list is managed, how units are approved, and how participants remain in good standing. Contact HACY for the current plan.
HACY maintains a utility allowance schedule that accounts for the typical cost of utilities in residential homes and apartments. This schedule is factored into the calculation of a tenant's share of rent. Contact HACY for the current utility allowance schedule.
HACY's income limits, payment standards, administrative plan, and utility allowance schedules are updated periodically. For the most current versions, contact the HACY office directly or visit our document library.
Beyond the baseline Housing Choice Voucher, HACY administers special vouchers designed for specific populations with unique housing needs. These include:
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers are available to eligible homeless veterans. The program combines HCV rental assistance with VA supportive services.
Family Unification Program vouchers support youth aging out of foster care, giving them access to stable, affordable housing as they transition to adulthood.
Vouchers designated for persons with serious mental illness (SMI) help this vulnerable population access and maintain stable housing in the community.
Learn more about the full range of special voucher programs HACY administers, including eligibility and how to refer individuals in need.
In addition to the standard tenant-based HCV program, HACY administers a Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program. Under PBV, rental assistance is tied to specific housing units in subsidized developments rather than to the individual tenant.
HACY currently administers Project-Based Voucher assistance at the following properties:
For more information about these properties, contact our Property Management department.
If you currently hold a Housing Choice Voucher, you may be able to use it outside the Yuma area. Portability allows voucher holders to transfer their assistance to another housing authority's jurisdiction if they meet certain program requirements.
HACY works with a network of approximately 400 local landlords and property owners to provide housing options for voucher holders. If you are currently searching for a unit or plan to move soon, HACY maintains listings of units available to voucher holders.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides important protections for HCV participants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. VAWA protections apply regardless of gender. Contact HACY to request VAWA notification and certification forms or to learn how these protections apply to your situation.
HACY's Housing Choice Voucher team is here to assist applicants, current participants, and landlords. Reach us by phone, email, or visit our office in downtown Yuma.
420 S. Madison Ave
Yuma, AZ 85364
Review income eligibility, program requirements, and step-by-step instructions for applying to the Housing Choice Voucher program in Yuma. Call us at (928) 782-3823 or visit our office at 420 S. Madison Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364.