Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Rental Assistance

Section 8 Voucher Rental Assistance

We administer the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 8 Voucher program (PDF), including the HUD Mainstream Voucher program, and the HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Participants pay a portion of the rent based on their income, and the Housing Authority pays the rest.

Waiting List

The waiting list is approximately 1 year long from the date of application.

How to Apply

Pre-applications are available at the Housing Authority office. Applications will not be mailed. If you are physically unable to come into the office, arrangements can be made for a Housing Authority staff member to come to your home. To request an appointment, call 715-726-7933.

Preferences

Chippewa County Housing Authority (CCHA) uses a local preference. In order to qualify for the local preference, you will need to show proof that you reside in Chippewa County. CCHA also uses a mainstream preference for up to 33 households that can show proof of one or more of the following: transitioning out of institutional and other segregated settings, at serious risk of institutionalization, currently experiencing homelessness, previously experienced homelessness and currently a client in a permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing project, and/or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Who Is Eligible for Assistance

• Renter households must be low-income.
• You cannot have drug-related or violent criminal activity for the last 12 months.
• You cannot be on the State or Federal Sex Offender Registry list.
• You cannot have a debt to a Public Housing Authority.

The total household gross income must be less than the following amounts:

Income Limits

• Income is used for everyone 18 and over who lives in the unit.
• Gross (before taxes) income is used.
• Gifts/regular payments given or made on your behalf are counted as income.

The amount of rent a participant pays is based on their income. Generally, participants will pay about 30% of their income for rent. Participants choose their own apartment. You will be able to receive assistance in your chosen rental unit if:

1. The landlord is willing to participate in the program
2. The rental unit passes a Housing Quality Standards inspection. The housing inspection ensures that the rental unit will be decent, safe, and sanitary
3. The tenants' portion of the rent does not exceed 40% of their monthly-adjusted income

How the Program Works

• The Authority will verify who lives with you and all of the household income.
• Participants must report increases or decreases in their income to the Authority within five days.
• Participants must report people who move in or move out of their apartment within five days.
• Both the participant and the Housing Authority pay their portion of the rent directly to the landlord.
• Rental units are inspected at least once every other year.
• Landlords are required to maintain the unit so that it meets the housing quality standards.
• Tenant income is reviewed at least once per year and more often if their income changes.

Lead Paint Warning

Lead from paint, dust, and soil can be dangerous if not managed properly.

• Fact: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.
• Fact: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.
• Fact: People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.
• Fact: People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.
• Fact: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. If you think your home might have lead hazards, read this pamphlet to learn some simple steps to protect your family.

Landlord / Tenant Laws

For information about tenant rights and rental laws, contact the Tenant Resource Center online or by calling 877-238-7368.

Free Legal Service at the Chippewa Falls Library

On the fourth Wednesday of every month except December, lawyers are available from 6:30 to 8 pm for a 15-minute consultation. No appointments are accepted, and this is on a first-come, first-served basis.