The Housing Choice (Section 8) voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to rent decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the open market. Since the rental assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find and lease privately owned 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.

Stanislaus Housing Authority use income limits developed by HUD. HUD sets the lower income limits at 80% and very low income limits at 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which you choose to live. Income limits vary from area to area so you may be eligible at one HA but not at another. The Stanislaus County Section 8 voucher income limits for fiscal year 2010 are:

Benefit Payment Standards Effective 5/31/11

                    Bedroom Size                                     Amount

Family Size Extremely Low Income 30% of median income Very Low Income  50% of median income 1 13,050 21,700 2 14,900 24,800 3 16,750 27,900 4 18,600 31,000 5 20,100 33,500 6 21,600 36,000 7 23,100 38,450 8 24,600 40,950 Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's