Montana Department of Commerce
The Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps very low-income families, individuals with disabilities and the elderly afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market.
Helena Housing Authority manages these vouchers for for families who live in Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson Counties.
What are housing choice vouchers?
The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled in affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family’s choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family’s present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by HHA.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by HHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the HHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility for a housing voucher is based on total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. In general, the family’s income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live.
During the application process, HHA will collect information on family income, assets, and composition. HHA will verify this information with other local agencies, employers, and banks, and will use the information to determine eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.
If HHA determines that your family is eligible your name will be placed on a waiting list, once your name is reached on the waiting list HHA will contact you and issue to you a housing voucher.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying for a State voucher, you can apply online here.
To view your position on the State HCV waiting list, click here.
Searching for a place to rent? Click here!