The Road to Housing Assistance:

STEP 1: Preliminary Eligibility. An initial application is submitted with preliminary information. No 
verification is conducted at this time. The household is placed on the waiting list.

What factors affect the wait time?
There are a number of variables that can affect the amount of time an applicant may remain on the waiting list, such as: HUD funding, preferences, and income. An exact wait time cannot be established due to these factors.

STEP 2: Final Eligibility
When funding becomes available an eligibility packet will be mailed to the household. Once the Affidavit is received an intake appointment is scheduled.

How do I ensure a successful eligibility 
meeting?
Bringing all required documents to the meeting will help the process to go more smoothly.
What if I can’t make the appointment?
If you don’t show for the initial appointment, another time will be offered. A second No Show will result in removal from the waiting list.

STEP 3: Voucher Delivery
When the Affidavit/documents have been verified and a household’s eligibility according to HUD guidelines has been determined, the household will be invited to a Voucher Briefing by the Intake Specialist.

What does the Voucher Briefing include? 
The Intake Specialist explains the leasing process and how housing assistance is 
calculated.
What do I do next?
You will have 60 days to find a rental unit in a neighborhood of your choice.

STEP 4: Approval Request and Lease Submission
After a rental unit has been chosen, the landlord submits a Request for Tenancy Approval and 
a copy of the lease. The Division of Housing determines if the rent and security deposit are 
reasonable

What if the Division of Housing determines the rent is not reasonable?
The owner/landlord is given an opportunity to lower the rent to meet the Fair Market Rent as established by Congress.

STEP 5: Housing Inspection and Approval
The Carroll County Housing Inspector conducts an inspection 
based on Housing Quality Standards. If the unit passes inspection, a lease is signed by the 
owner and tenant, and an agreement is signed by the owner and the Division of Housing.

What if the unit does not pass inspection? 
The landlord is given 30 days to make required repairs.

After the 1st Year: Recertification
120 days prior to the yearly anniversary date, a recertification notice will be sent to tenants requesting updated information and a meeting. Income, assets, and deductions will be verified. The Housing Inspector will conduct an annual inspection

What if I want to move after one year?
If a household’s recertification is within 60 days, a voucher will be issued at the time of the recertification. A household must have a new voucher before searching for another unit.
What if I want to move outside of the 
county?
Moving outside the jurisdiction or porting may be permitted. Please contact your Housing Specialist to determine eligibility.

Don’t forget that at any point in this process, all changes in income, assets, or household composition need to be reported, in writing, within 10 business days.

Eligibility / Income Info:

FY26 Payment Standard at 100% FMR Effective: November 1, 2025

Efficiency $1362
1 Bedroom $ 1511
2 Bedroom $ 1857
3 Bedroom $ 2358
4 Bedroom $ 2611
5 Bedroom $ 3003
6 Bedroom $ 3394

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program 

Income Limits
Median Area Income: $130,300


Effective May 1st, 2025

Income Limits by Family Size

Extremely Low Income
Family of 1: $27,400
Family of 2: $31,300
Family of 3: $35,200
Family of 4: $39,100
Family of 5: $42,250
Family of 6: $45,400
Family of 7: $48,650
Family of 8: $54,150
Family of 9: $59,650
Family of 10: $65,150
Family of 11: $70,650

Very Low Income
Family of 1: $45,650
Family of 2: $52,150
Family of 3: $58,650
Family of 4: $65,150
Family of 5: $70,400
Family of 6: $75,600
Family of 7: $80,800
Family of 8: $86,000
Family of 9: $91,250
Family of 10: $96,450
Family of 11: $101,650

Low Income
Family of 1: $72,950
Family of 2: $83,400
Family of 3: $93,800
Family of 4: $104,200
Family of 5: $112,550
Family of 6: $120,900
Family of 7: $129,250
Family of 8: $137,550
Family of 9: $145,900
Family of 10: $154,250
Family of 11: $162,600

Application Process:

After Applying:

Additional Information: