Where Vermont's Section 8 Program Operates

Vermont has one public housing authority that administers Section 8 vouchers statewide: the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA). Unlike larger states with multiple regional authorities, VHFA handles all voucher applications and tenant support across the entire state. This means you contact one organization regardless of which county or city you live in.

VHFA is not a landlord — it does not own housing. It issues vouchers that reduce what you pay in rent at privately owned apartments or houses. The voucher covers part of your rent; you pay the rest directly to your landlord. VHFA pays the landlord the difference between what you can afford and the fair market rent for your unit.

Vermont's voucher program is smaller than those in larger states, which means the waiting list can be long and may close periodically when demand exceeds available vouchers. VHFA publishes whether the list is open on its website and updates this status regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is the single authority managing Section 8 vouchers across the entire state.
  • Income limits for a single person are typically around $28,000 to $32,000 annually, and for a family of four around $45,000 to $50,000, though these amounts change yearly and vary by household size.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and you cannot have been evicted for drug-related activity in the past three years.
  • The waiting list frequently closes when it reaches capacity, so check VHFA's website first to confirm the list is accepting new names before gathering documents.
  • Once you receive a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days) to find a landlord willing to accept it and sign a lease.

Income Limits and Household Composition

VHFA sets income limits based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Vermont. The program targets households earning no more than 50% of AMI. Because AMI is recalculated annually, income limits change each year. For the most current figures, you must check VHFA's website or call directly — do not rely on numbers from previous years.

Income limits also depend on household size. A single person has a different limit than a family of two, three, four, or more. If you live with dependents, roommates, or family members, you must count all people in the household when determining your income limit. VHFA counts income from all household members, including wages, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and alimony.

If your household income exceeds the limit, you do not meet the basic requirement. Part-time work, seasonal work, and benefits all count. If you are unsure whether your income qualifies, contact VHFA directly with your household size and total monthly or annual income — they can tell you in one conversation whether you fall within the limit.

Documentation You Will Need

VHFA requires proof of income, identity, and household composition. The exact documents depend on your situation, but common requirements include:

  • Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days) or a letter from your employer stating your income
  • Tax returns from the past two years if you are self-employed
  • Proof of benefits (Social Security statement, unemployment award letter, TANF or SNAP documentation)
  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status (birth certificate, passport, green card, or work authorization document)
  • Proof of household composition (birth certificates for dependents, marriage certificate if applicable)
  • Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency)

If you are currently homeless or living in a shelter, you may not have all these documents. VHFA has procedures for verifying information when documents are unavailable — contact them to ask what alternative proof they accept. Do not assume you are ineligible because you lack a specific document; ask first.

Disqualifying Factors in Vermont

VHFA will deny your request if you meet any of these conditions. You cannot have been evicted for drug-related criminal activity within the past three years. This is a federal rule that applies in every state. If you were evicted for non-payment of rent, property damage, or lease violations unrelated to drugs, you may still be considered, though VHFA will review your rental history.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. may be able to access status includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other visa categories. Undocumented immigrants do not meet the federal requirement, though some states have created separate voucher programs for this population — Vermont does not currently have such a program.

If you owe money to a previous public housing authority or VHFA itself, you may be denied until the debt is resolved. If you have committed fraud in a housing program, you are permanently barred. If a household member has been convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine in a federally assisted housing unit, the entire household is barred for ten years.

How to Request a Voucher in Vermont

First, check whether VHFA's waiting list is open. Visit the VHFA website or call their main line to confirm. If the list is closed, ask when it is expected to reopen and whether you can request to be notified when it does.

If the list is open, you can request an process by mail, phone, or in person at VHFA's office in Montpelier. VHFA will mail you the process form or you may read it from their website. Complete the form with accurate information about your household, income, and current housing situation. Attach copies of the required documents listed above.

Mail the completed process to VHFA or deliver it in person. Keep a copy for your records. VHFA will send you a letter confirming receipt and telling you your position on the waiting list. Do not expect when ready contact — the waiting list can be months or years long depending on the number of available vouchers.

Once your name reaches the top of the list and a voucher becomes available, VHFA will contact you. At that point, you enter the voucher search period, which is typically 60 to 120 days. During this time, you must find a landlord willing to rent to you and accept the voucher. Not all landlords participate in the program, so you may need to contact many properties. VHFA provides a list of participating landlords and can answer questions about whether a specific property is may be able to access.

What Happens After You Receive a Voucher

Once you find a landlord and sign a lease, VHFA inspects the unit to may support it meets housing quality standards. The inspection covers things like working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and safety features. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs before you can move in. VHFA will not issue a voucher payment until the inspection passes.

After inspection approval, VHFA signs a contract with your landlord. You pay your portion of the rent (your tenant contribution) directly to the landlord each month. VHFA pays the landlord the difference between your contribution and the approved rent amount. Your tenant contribution is typically 30% of your household income, though VHFA may adjust this based on your circumstances.

You must recertify your income and household composition annually. This means providing updated pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to VHFA each year. If your income changes significantly during the year, you must report it — VHFA may adjust your rent contribution accordingly. If you move, change jobs, or add a household member, notify VHFA when ready.

Waiting List Closures and Reopenings

Vermont's voucher program has limited funding, so the waiting list periodically closes when it reaches capacity. When the list is closed, VHFA does not accept new requests. The closure can last weeks, months, or longer depending on how quickly vouchers become available through turnover.

VHFA publishes waiting list status on its website and updates it regularly. You can also call to ask whether the list is currently open. If it is closed, ask whether VHFA maintains a notification list — some programs will contact you when the list reopens, though this is not may provide. Check back periodically or call every few months if you want to stay informed.

If you are experiencing a housing crisis and cannot wait for the voucher list, ask VHFA about other programs. Vermont has emergency rental information, rapid rehousing programs, and transitional housing options that may help in the short term while you wait for a voucher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a Section 8 voucher if I am currently homeless?

Yes. VHFA does not require you to have stable housing to request a voucher. If you are in a shelter or living on the street, you can still explore. You may need to provide alternative documentation if you lack a current address or standard identity documents — contact VHFA to ask what they accept in your situation.

What if I have a criminal record but it was not drug-related?

VHFA reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis. The federal rule specifically bars people evicted for drug-related activity. Other convictions do not automatically disqualify you, though VHFA may deny your request if the conviction is recent or serious. Contact VHFA to discuss your specific situation before spending time gathering documents.

How long does it usually take to get a voucher in Vermont?

The waiting list can be months to years long depending on how many vouchers are available and how many people are ahead of you. Once your name reaches the top and a voucher is issued, you have 60 to 120 days to find a landlord and sign a lease. The entire process from process to moving in can take anywhere from several months to several years.

Can I use my voucher to rent from a family member?

VHFA has rules about renting from relatives. In most cases, you cannot use a voucher to rent from a spouse, parent, child, or sibling. You can sometimes rent from a more distant relative (aunt, uncle, cousin) if VHFA approves it in advance. Ask VHFA before signing any lease with a family member.

What if the landlord wants more rent than VHFA will pay?

VHFA sets a maximum rent amount for each unit based on fair market rent for that area and unit size. If a landlord wants more than that amount, you would have to pay the difference out of pocket. Many tenants cannot afford this, so you may need to keep looking for a different property. VHFA can tell you the maximum rent for your area and unit size before you start searching.