CHA announces new policy for the Housing Choice Voucher Program

CHA announces new policy for the Housing Choice Voucher Program

Lowers limit on exception payments, strikes balance of expanding housing options for low-income families in a fiscally responsible way

CHICAGO (Aug. 17, 2014) – Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) CEO Michael R. Merchant announced today that CHA is lowering the limit on exception payments for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) participants, in order to expand housing options for low-income families in a fiscally responsible way. Under the new policy, HCV participants can receive up to 150% of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Market Rent, down from 300%.

“After concluding a review and analysis of exception payment standards, we believe adjusting the policy strikes a critical balance between providing housing options for voucher participants and fiscal responsibility,” said CHA CEO Michael R. Merchant. “One of CHA’s key goals is to provide options for low-income families to live in neighborhoods throughout the city, and the HCV program is a critical component towards achieving that objective.”

As the agency does with every initiative, CHA will continue to evaluate program impact and make adjustments as necessary to ensure it meets its goals – with the ultimate objective of expanding housing options for families in a variety of Chicago neighborhoods. The goal in 2010 when the CHA introduced 300% exception payment standards was to expand housing choices for HCV participants, mirroring the goals laid out in the Plan for Transformation.

The new policy will impact approximately 260 families. All affected HCV households will have at least one year to move. CHA will also send notices to impacted landlords.

CHA recognizes tenants’ current lease commitments and will work with them to ensure a smooth transition into a new unit. Housing search assistance, locating community resources, neighborhood tours and home maintenance, financial management and tenant rights workshops are also available through CHA's mobility counseling program to help HCV participants with their moves.

Currently, exception payment standards represent less than 2% of CHA’s overall voucher portfolio. Exception payment standards provide CHA families the ability to choose where they want to live and enjoy the great diversity that Chicago communities have to offer – including Opportunity Areas.

CHA offers exception payment standards for units in Opportunity Areas – communities with lower poverty rates and concentrations of subsidized housing – that may not have sufficient affordable options for Chicago families and to individuals with an approved reasonable accommodation for a disability.

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