Affordable Housing for West Michigan

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Frequently Asked Questions, Housing Choice Voucher Program

How does the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program work?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program assists low-income households by paying private rental property owners a portion of the total rent. Qualified participants can transfer their rental assistance to other cities or areas of the country.

Watch a video that offers an introduction to the program

Is the GRHC Housing Choice Voucher Program accepting new applicants?

The Housing Choice Voucher program is currently closed to new applicants.

I recently applied for a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) at a different local housing authority. Does this mean I am on the Grand Rapids Housing Commission Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list?

No. There are several housing authorities that offer Housing Choice Voucher programs in Kent and Ottawa counties; these are all independently administered and do not share waiting lists.

I am currently on the Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list. How do I get information about my status on the list?

You can check your application status online using the GRHC Applicant Portal or contact the GRHC Waiting List Specialist via our online Support Center. The GRHC does not offer “position numbers” for our waiting list.

I have moved since applying for housing. How do I update the information on my Housing Choice Voucher Program application?

You can update your information online via the GRHC Applicant Portal. Please be sure to keep your contact information up to date so that we can reach you when your name reaches the top of the waiting list.

What are the current household income limits for the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

Click the links below to view maximum annual income by family size.

Annual household income limits, Kent County

Family Size

Maximum Annual Income

1

$56,400

2

$64,450

3

$72,500

4

$80,550

5

$87,000

6

$93,450

7

$99,900

8

$106,350

Annual household income limits, Ottawa County

Family Size

Maximum Annual Income

1

$57,600

2

$65,800

3

$74,050

4

$82,250

5

$88,850

6

$94,450

7

$102,000

8

$108,600

I currently live at an apartment complex that accepts Housing Choice Vouchers. Does this mean I can get part of my rent paid by the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

To receive a rental subsidy through the GRHC Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, you must have applied for and been awarded a voucher.

If you are currently on our HCV waiting list, we will contact you when your name reaches the top of the list. If you are eligible for a voucher at that time, the HCV Program will pay a portion of the rent for the eligible housing of your choice. Please be sure to keep the contact information on your application updated. You can update your application via our secure Applicant Portal.

What are the maximum monthly rents and utility allowances for the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

Click the links below to view Kent County and Ottawa County rent limits and utility allowances by unit size

2024 Voucher Payment Standards, Kent County

Unit Size, All Unit Types

Maximum Monthly Rent

0 Bedroom

$1,257

1 Bedroom

$1,313

2 Bedrooms

$1,574

3 Bedrooms

$2,053

4 Bedrooms

$2,257

5 Bedrooms

$2,596

6 Bedrooms

$2,935

Kent County Utility Allowances

2024 Voucher Payment Standards, Ottawa County

Unit Size, All Unit Types

Maximum Monthly Rent

0 Bedroom

$1,071

1 Bedroom

$1,282

2 Bedrooms

$1,449

3 Bedrooms

$1,915

4 Bedrooms

$2,041

5 Bedrooms

$2,347

6 Bedrooms

$2,654

Ottawa County Utility Allowances

Where can I find a listing of apartments that will accept my Housing Choice Voucher?

View available local rentals posted by members of the Rental Property Owners Association (RPOA)

The GRHC also refers HCV Program clients to AffordableHousing.com, a free online rental housing database.

*DISCLAIMER: The Housing Commission is pleased to offer the convenience of links to organizations that provide a variety of housing and emergency services. Please note that the linked sites are external to the GRHC s website. The GRHC cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by linked sites. The GRHC disclaims all responsibility for the contents and results provided through linked websites.

I own a rental property. Where can I get information about participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

View Housing Choice Voucher Program information for rental property owners and managers.