Office of Housing Assistance

Ruth Swift, Housing Programs Coordinator
rswift@co.livingston.ny.us

(585) 243-7300
(585) 335-1748
Fax (585) 243-7344, Attn. Ruth Swift


HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ...

is a way to help rental costs. It may help you afford a better place to live, or if you like where you are living now, it may help you pay your rent. Either way, the Housing Assistance Program pays your landlord part of your monthly rent. A homeownership program is now available for qualified participants. Please ask for details.

YOU MAY QUALIFY IF ...

your total annual household income is not over a set limit, as defined below:

As of May 2010
Household Size
Annual Gross Income
1
23,350
2

26,650
3
30,000
4
33,300
5
36,000
6
38,650
7
41,300
(as of May 2010)

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS...

1. APPLICATION
You complete the Preliminary Application and are placed on a waiting list.

2. NOTIFICATION
You are responsible to notify the housing office of all changes while on the waiting list. These changes would include such things as household composition, address and income changes.

3. ENROLLMENT
After the waiting list time period you are contacted to attend an enrollment interview where your eligibility is determined and you receive information on how the program works and how to obtain housing that is affordable to you and suited to your needs.

4. CERTIFICATION
If you are eligible, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher to verify your potential to participate in the program.

5. HOUSING SELECTION
You find a place within 60 (sixty) days that meets Housing Quality Standard and affordability limits. Your present dwelling may qualify.

6. NEGOTIATION
You come to an agreement with the landlord on lease terms.

7. AGENCY REVIEW
The agency evaluates the affordability of your housing and inspects the dwelling to make sure they meet program standards and the HUD Housing Quality Standards.

8. PAYMENTS
The agency will pay directly to your landlord part of your rent each month based on a payment standard. You are obligated to pay the rest.

9. ANNUAL RECERTIFICATIONS AND INTERIM CHANGES
Each program participant must have annual recertifications and annual housing inspections. Any and all changes in income, family composition etc. must be reported immediately.