Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8
THE ERIE COUNTY CONSORTIUM AND NIAGARA COUNTY WAITLISTS
ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.
Overview
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (commonly known as Section 8) provides rental subsidies to low-income families, allowing them to live in privately owned housing of their choice. The tenant’s portion of the rent is based on their income. Belmont Housing Resources for WNY administers the program locally for three Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Erie County Consortium, the City of North Tonawanda, and Niagara County through NYS. Each of these contracts has its own waitlist. Click here to learn how to apply, or check the status of each waitlist.
How Does It Work?
Participants are selected through a lottery system from the applicable waitlist. Once selected, eligibility is confirmed (click here for income eligibility requirements). Participants then attend an orientation session where they receive their voucher, which specifies the unit size they qualify for based on program regulations.
After receiving the voucher, participants search for housing and, once they identify a unit, they submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form to their prospective landlord. The landlord completes and submits the RFTA to Belmont Housing Resources.
Once the completed RFTA is received, Belmont schedules an inspection to ensure the unit meets NSPIRE standards (click here to learn more about these standards) and is determine rent reasonable. If the unit passes inspection, Belmont enters into a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with the landlord. After the contract is signed, Belmont pays the calculated portion of the rent based on the participant’s income.
Participants must re-certify their eligibility for the program annually, and their unit will be reinspected to ensure that standards are maintained. If the participant’s income changes, their portion of the rent may be adjusted, which will also change Belmont’s portion of the payment.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined based on total annual gross income and family size. Generally, a family’s income must not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area where they wish to live.
To qualify for the HCV program, applicants must:
- Meet income limits set by HUD (based on household size and area median income). See chart.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Pass background screenings, including checks for criminal history and program compliance.
How Do I Apply?
Currently the waitlist for Erie County Consortium and the Niagara County program are closed and not accepting application.
Applications for a Housing Choice Voucher are currently being accepted through The City of North Tonawanda Program. Applicants who live, work or have notice of hire to work in the City of North Tonawanda will receive a selection preference.
There are three ways to apply for a Section 8 voucher through the City of North Tonawanda Program:
- Download and print: application (English), application (Spanish), Complete, sign and submit the application to any Belmont office.
- Call Belmont Housing Resources for WNY (716-884-2358 ext. 305) and ask that an application be mailed to you. Completed application can be mailed to any Belmont Housing Resources office or you can drop it off.
- Go to any Belmont Housing Resources office during regular business hours and complete an application on site.
Once your application is received and reviewed, you will be sent either a Waitlist Placement Letter or a Notice of Ineligibility.
Applicants who live, work or have notice of hire to work in North Tonawanda will receive a selection preference over those applicants who do not live, work, or have notice of hire to work in North Tonawanda.
Unfortunately, there is not enough funding to give everyone a Section 8 Voucher immediately. So, once an applicant is determined eligible, their name must be placed on a waiting list according to their date of application.
For the Waitlist Application Update Line, call 716-884-2358, ext. 307
It is extremely important to keep your Section 8 application information up to date while you’re waiting for a voucher, especially your address and phone number. If you can’t be located when your name comes to the top of the list, you will lose your chance to receive a voucher.
Current Participants
Assistance Connect
Assistance Connect is our online portal for Housing Choice Voucher participants.
Moving Process
If you are considering moving from your current unit, there are several factors to keep in mind.
Inspections
These inspections focus on habitability, encouraging consistent, safe, and quality living environments for residents.
Recertifications
Family Self Sufficiency (FSS)
Resources
FAQs
New Applicants
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for a housing voucher is determined based on total annual gross income and family size.
How Do I Apply?
There are three ways to apply for a Section 8 voucher through the City of North Tonawanda Program.
Waitlist Status
You can log in to Assistance Connect to view your information.
Keep your Information Updated
If you can’t be located when your name comes to the top of the list, you will lose your chance to receive a voucher.
Landlords
Assistance Connect
Assistance Connect is our online portal for Housing Choice Voucher participants.
Inspections
These inspections focus on habitability, encouraging consistent, safe, and quality living environments for residents.
Landlord Events and Resources
Lead Based Paint
FAQs
Inspections
Portability
What is Portability?
Portability allows families with a Housing Choice Voucher to move from one city or county to another while keeping their rental assistance.
Steps to Take:
- Contact Your Housing Authority: Notify your current housing authority that you want to move.
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm that you’re eligible to move under portability rules (e.g., you’ve fulfilled lease obligations).
- Find a New Location: Choose a new area where you want to live, and check if their housing authority participates in the HCV program.
- Coordinate the Move: Work with both housing authorities to transfer your voucher.
- Secure Housing: Find a rental that meets program requirements in your new location.
If you are planning to move into one of the jurisdictions Belmont covers, please ask your current housing authority to send your portability packet to the appropriate staff member listed below.
For Erie County Consortium Covering Erie County:
Belmont Housing Resources for WNY
2393 Main Street
Buffalo NY 14214
Housing Authority #: NY091
Absorbing or Billing: Billing
Tel: 716-884-7791
FAX: 716-312-8075
EMAIL: [email protected] AND [email protected]
For City of North Tonawanda:
Belmont Housing Resources for WNY
2393 Main Street
Buffalo NY 14214
Housing Authority #: NY405
Absorbing or Billing: Absorbing
Tel: 716-884-7791
FAX: 716-312-8075
EMAIL: [email protected]
For Niagara County:
Niagara County Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Belmont Housing Resources for WNY
33 Spruce St.
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Housing Authority#: NY904
Absorbing or Billing: Billing
Tel: 716-213-2784, ext. 3
FAX: 716-213-2787
EMAIL: dmeyer@belmonthousingwny.org