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1. What is the difference between Housing Choice Voucher and Project-based Voucher?

The main difference between the two programs is that the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) is tenant-based assistance, meaning that the tenant may use the assistance in any unit of their choice, provided the property owner is willing to accept it. The Project-based Voucher (PBV) assistance is tied to the unit, meaning that the tenant who lives in the assisted unit, receives the assistance while they live in the unit.  

2. Can I receive emergency assistance?

Immediate / emergency assistance is not available. If you need referrals to community based resources, please call 211 from any land line for referrals. 

3. Can I apply to the waiting lists?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program Waiting list is closed and is not currently accepting applications. 

The Project Based Voucher waiting list is currently open and is accepting applications from those who live or work in Anaheim. Persons who live in unincorporated areas of Anaheim do not qualify for the AHA live/work preference. If you meet the live/work preference, you may complete the online application.

4. How long can I expect to wait for assistance?

Many factors determine when the applicant is called off the waiting list such as preference status, funding availability, unit availability, etc., therefore we are not able to estimate the amount of time you will remain on the waiting list. 

5. Can I check the status of my application?

You may check the status of your application here: https://housingportal.anaheim.net/AHAStatusCheck/. You will need your account number or social security number to check your application status online. Online, we can only confirm you have an application on file and the date that you applied, to ensure your confidentiality.

To confirm any other information (for example; what address we have on file), you must come into the office and provide proper identification. 

6. When should I update my application?

You update your application when:  

Change of address.  AHA will contact you by mail when your name reaches the top of the waiting list. It is important that you provide updated address information to AHA.  If AHA is unable to contact you and/or your mail is returned as undeliverable by the post office, your name will be removed from the waiting list. 

Change in family composition:   When you reach the top of the waiting list, AHA will confirm information you have provided regarding the number of persons who will be a part of your household. The number of persons in your household can determine when you are called for assistance.

Change in income: You should report any significant changes in your household income as they occur. For applicants, AHA considers changes of $500 or more annually, up or down, to be a significant change. Your income level can determine the order in which you are called for assistance. 

Change in Place of Employment:  AHA provides a preference in admissions for persons who live or work in Anaheim. If you are seeking a preference based on your employment status, it is important that you advise AHA if you or any adult household member had obtained or lost qualifying employment in the City of Anaheim.  

7. How do I update my application?

To make a correction or to update your application to the waiting list,  download this from.  https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/1287/Pre-Application-UpdateCorrection-Request.  Mail the complete form to: AHA, PO Box 3222, Anaheim, CA 92803

Please allow six to eight weeks for the correction to be processed.  

8. I received a rental assistance Intake Application packet, now what?

I received a Section 8 Rental Assistance Intake Application Packet by mail; now what? 

• Read the instructions carefully and fill out the application to the best of your ability. If you don't know the answer, you will have the opportunity to ask at your appointment.
• Begin to gather all the documents requested as soon as possible. Some documents may take time to gather; not having them will delay receiving assistance.
• Mail back the application along with all the documents requested by the "mail back date" on the application letter. If you are missing documents, send what you have, and bring the rest to your eligibility screening appointment.
• We will communicate with you by mail.

When will I be contacted after I send in my packet?

• It is not necessary to call to check if we received your packet.
• 30 to 60 days after we receive your packet, you will receive an appointment letter with the date of your eligibility screening.
• At this time you will also be provided a notice of missing documents to bring to your appointment.
• Do your best to have all missing documents ready to bring in to your appointment. (Do not mail them in before your appointment.) 

Who must attend the appointment and why?

• Everyone 18 years or older that lives in the household and is part of your application must attend the appointment.
• If anyone 18 years or older cannot attend the appointment, you must request a new appointment date in writing prior to the date of the appointment. You will need to provide the reason why you cannot attend the original appointment date.
• If it is determined that the family can proceed with the application process, everyone over 18 years old will be finger-printed to commence a background check to determine final eligibility.

When will I get a voucher (or referral if applying for a Project Based (PBV) property)?

• Once your background-check is complete, you will receive a notice by phone or mail to attend the next briefing appointment. At this meeting you will get information about the program and about your responsibilities as a program participant. Then you will receive the voucher.
• All adults 18 years old or older must attend the briefing appointment.
• If you or any adult in the family did not pass the background-check, you will receive a notice by mail.

How long does this entire process take?

• The entire process takes approximately 60 to 90 days to complete. When large groups of families are going through the process at the same time, it can take longer than 90 days from start to finish.
• Having all your documents when you mail back the application and/or at the screening appointment will help expedite the process.