Some SCCHA Section 8 vouchers may only be available to a person with a disability. Do you meet the definition of a person with a disability in order to receive a housing preference?

You may meet this definition if you:

  • Have been awarded SSDI
  • Have been awarded SSI and are under the age of 65
  • Have a medically determinable physical, mental or emotional impairment which:
    • Makes you unable to work
    • Can be expected to result in death; or
    • Has lasted or can be expected to last for at least 12 months
  • Have a developmental disability according to Section 102(7) of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance Bill of Rights Act.

Some people may need special accommodations to be able to fully participate in the Section 8 program because of a disability. Do you meet the definition of a person with a disability in order to receive a reasonable accommodation? *

You may meet this definition if you:

  • Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities;
  • Have a record of having such impairment; or
  • Are regarded as having such impairment by others.

* Along with the meeting the definition of a person with a disability, SCCHA must also establish a link between the disability and the need in order to grant a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability. A person with disabilities who believes they need an accommodation to fully participate in the Section 8 program may request one at any time.

If you check ‘Yes’ that you or a household member has a disability (in order to receive a preference for assistance or a reasonable accommodation for a live-in aide, or extra bedroom) and it is determined by SCCHA that you do not meet the definition of a person with a disability or if there is no link between your request and your disability, you will not receive that preference and/or accommodation and may be denied assistance.

The Santa Clara County Housing Authority will never charge you to receive a Section 8 voucher.