FAQ’s -Applicant

The CHA is responsible for ensuring that every individual and family admitted to the HCV program meets all program eligibility requirements. This includes any individual approved to join the family after the family has been admitted to the program. The family must provide any information needed by the PHA to confirm eligibility and determine the level of the family’s assistance.

To be eligible for the HCV program:

The CHA must determine that the current or past behavior of household members does not include activities that are prohibited by HUD or the CHA.

The applicant family must:

• Qualify as a family as defined by HUD and the CHA.
• Have income at or below HUD-specified low-income limits.

• Qualify on the basis of citizenship or the eligible immigrant status of family members.

• Provide social security number information for household members as required.

• Consent to the CHA’s collection and use of family information as provided for in CHA-provided consent forms.
• The CHA must determine that the current or past behavior of household members does not include activities that are prohibited by HUD or the PHA.

To apply for a Housing Choice Voucher on-line you can visit the Maine Centralized Section 8 – Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List. Read the information for the wait list and follow the instructions. If you would prefer to receive an application to complete and submit you can email housing@cariboumaine.org and request an application and it will be emailed to you; or you can come to our office at 25 High Street, Caribou ME 04736 to pick one up. YOU ONLY APPLY ONCE. You may meet the preferences under several Housing Authorities.

Maine Centralized Waiting List Application

Yes there is a waiting list for vouchers (see “How do I Apply for a Voucher?”). 

The CHA will use the following local preferences, as well as date and time of the application, establish placement position on a waiting list.

Once you have applied for a voucher it is your responsibility to make sure your mailing address is correct. You can make changes to your address, e-mail and preferences , etc through the on-line Waiting List system.

When your name comes to the top of the list you will be mailed a notification packet by the Housing Authority who has chosen you from the Wait List. Each Housing Authority has it’s own process but you will be required to complete an intake application, be able to provide verification of Social Security numbers, statuses as a Citizen of the United States or legal residency and date of birth. You will also be asked to submit income, asset, and various other verifications as required for each member in your family. PHA will also do several required checks for criminal background, sex offender status and whether you owe any money to any other Housing Authority. Your eligibility for a Voucher will be decided during this process.

If you are determined to be eligible at that time you will attend a briefing where you will be told all the details about the voucher program and be issued your Housing Choice Voucher.

The Voucher Waiting List is a combined wait list that allows participating Housing Authorities to draw a pool of applicants who meet their particular preferences. T his list may be updated but it is never closed. Each Housing Authority will draw from the list based on their own program’s funding and availability of Vouchers to issue.