Category: Section 8 Housing Programs

Eligibility Process

Selection from the Waiting List

  • After applying to the MRHA VI waiting list, registrants must keep their information current at all times; failure to do so will result in your name being removed from the waiting list.
  • Registrants are selected from the waiting list by position number and will be notified in writing of their eligibility appointment.

Preparing for the Intake Appointment

To prepare for the intake appointment, you will need to complete the application and bring all information requested in the appointment letter. Normally this includes:

  • Income verifications (paystubs, benefit award letters)
  • Bank statements
  • Vital documents (driver license, Social Security cards and/or birth certificates)

Do not sign any of the documents as you will need to sign them in front of your Eligibility Specialist.

At the Intake Appointment

Arrive to the intake appointment 15 minutes in advance and check in with the receptionist. All family members 18 years old and older will need to be present at this appointment.

During the appointment, the Eligibility Specialist will:

  • Review your application
  • Gather all the required documents
  • Have you sign all forms
  • Provide basic information about the program
  • Discuss the Notice of Rights and Responsibilities

After the Intake Appointment

After the appointment, the Eligibility Specialist will obtain any necessary third-party verification, determine if the application can be approved, and calculate the assistance amount.

Once a eligibility determination is made, you will be notified in writing if you are approved or denied.

Approval of Application – Next Steps

When you receive your letter advising that you have been determined eligible for assistance, you will also be assigned a date and time for your scheduled voucher briefing.

At the voucher briefing, you will learn your obligations under the program and will receive your Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet. Once you receive your RFTA, you may begin searching for your new home.

Denial of Assistance

If the application is denied, which is often due to over-income, negative background check or non-compliance with the eligibility process, you will receive a letter advising of the denial and your right for an informal review.

Income Limits

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) establishes income limits based upon the Area Median Income (AMI) for each county in each state. These limits are used in determining a family’s initial eligibility to participate in certain MRHA6 administered housing assistance programs, such as:

  • Housing Choice Voucher
  • Project Based Voucher
  • Continuum of Care (formerly Shelter Plus Care)

In order for a family to be eligible for federal housing assistance in the County of Hinds County, the total household income must not exceed these established yearly income limits as listed on the table below:

To be eligible for MRHA6 housing assistance programs your income must be in the Extremely-Low or Very-Low range.

Income Limits effective as of April 1, 2018.
For additional information from HUD on income limits Click Here

Number of Family Members

Counties

Income Limit

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10
HINDS COPIAH RANKIN MADISON Ext. Low 13,450 16,460 20,780 25,100 29,420 33,740 38,060 42,150 35,140 37,148
Very Low 22,350 25,550 28,750 31,900 34,500 37,050 39,600 42,150 44,660 47,212
Low 35,750 40,850 45,950 51,050 55,150 59,250 36,350 67,400 71,470 75,554
CLAIBORNE HOLMES YAZOO Ext. Low 12,140 16,460 20,780 23,500 25,400 27,300 29,150 31,050 32,900 34,780
Very Low 16,450 18,800 21,150 23,500 25,400 27,300 29,150 31,050 32,900 34,780
Low 26,350 30,100 33,850 37,600 40,650 43,650 46,650 49,650 52,640 55,648
SIMPSON Ext. Low 12,140 16,460 20,780 23,500 25,400 27,300 29,150 31,050 32,900 34,780
Very Low 16,450 18,800 21,150 23,500 25,400 27,300 29,150 31,050 32,900 34,780
Low 26,350 30,100 33,850 37,600 40,650 43,650 46,650 49,650 52,640 55,648
WARREN Ext. Low 12,140 16,460 20,780 25,100 29,420 31,750 33,950 36,150 35,140 37,148
Very Low 19,150 21,900 24,650 27,350 29,550 31,750 33,950 36,150 38,290 40,478
Low 30,650 35,000 39,400 43,750 47,250 50,750 54,250 57,750 61,250 64,750

For each person in excess of 8, the income limit for such households is computed by adding an additional 8% to the four-person base.

Subsidy Standards

Housing size subsidy standards determine the number of bedrooms needed for families of different sizes.  MRHA VI is legally required to give the family the smallest subsidy that they qualify for based on family size.  The family unit size number is entered on the voucher issued to the family.  The household member(s) will incur the additional cost for any bedroom(s) above the allocated unit size.

MRHA VI does not determine where family members may sleep, or who shares a bedroom or other room in the home.

Determining Family Unit Size

Effective January 1, 2018, the subsidy standards are as follows:

  • One (1) room for every two people
  • Approved live-in aides qualify for one (1) additional room
  • An additional room may also be provided as a reasonable accommodation of a disability
Unit Size Persons in Household
Minimum Maximum
Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
Studio (0 Bedroom) 1 2
1 Bedroom 1 4
2 Bedroom 3 6
3 Bedroom 5 8
4 Bedroom 7 10
5 Bedroom 9 12
6 Bedroom 11 14

Project-Based Voucher (PBV)

Program Description

The Project Based Voucher (PBV) program attaches the rental assistance voucher to private (including MRHAVI-owned/operated) housing units. Under the PBV program, MRHAVI enters into a Housing Assistance Payments contract with the property owner for specified units and for a specified term.

PBV units are leased to eligible low-income tenants from MRHA6’s PBV Waiting List or in some cases referred by the property owner.

PBV rental assistance is contractually tied to the unit, as opposed to the tenant. A family who moves from the project-based unit may be eligible to receive HCV (tenant-based) assistance, if available.

Who is Eligible

  • Must meet Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program eligibility requirements.
  • Property owners interested in MRHA VI’s PBV program may submit a proposal for the program only in response to an officially advertised Request For Proposals.

For More Information

For general information from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) about the Project Based Voucher program, click here.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)

Program Description

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a voluntary program which enables families assisted through the HUD Assisted Multifamily, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), or Public Housing (PH) to increase their earnings, build asset and financial capability. Families who elect to participate in the program signs a five (5) year Contract of Participation (COP). During this period family receives case management to help with accessing services needed to overcome barriers in order to achieve goals and gain financial stability.

 

Services Offered to FSS Participants

  • Collaborative Partners in the community provide partnership to provide wrap- around services to participant using non-FSS Resources.  Services provided, but not limited to:
    • Job Readiness
    • Financial Empowerment
    • Adult Education
    • Life Skills
    • Referral Services
    • Budget/Credit Workshop
    • Homebuyer Education

Other Incentive of FSS Program

  • The escrow account is a financial incentive for participants to increase their earning in the form of an escrow saving that grows as participants’ earning rise. The escrow account helps participants build savings they can use to improve their quality of life and advance their personal goals.

For More Information

If you are interested in enrolling into the FSS program, contact the FSS Coordinators or complete the FSS Brochure and return it to our office.