Local Preferences
There are three local preferences for which applicants can qualify. Local preferences are only valid for the head of the household or the co-head of the household. Dependents cannot qualify a family for a local preference. Please remember claiming a local preference does not automatically grant you a preference on the wait list. You must submit documentation for review. Once your preference has been approved, your application will be listed on the wait list with other applicants who also have claimed or qualified for a local preference. Also, a local preference does not mean you will be housed immediately.

In addition, preference documentation will again be reviewed at the time of your screening interview. Your name will be removed from the preference list if your preference documentation is not approved. Your application will then be placed on the non-preference list.

The preferences are:

1. ELDERLY: If you stated the correct date of birth on the application and you or your spouse are 62 years of age or older, you will be placed on the preference list. Your birth certificate will be reviewed at the time of your screening interview. Therefore, you do not have to provide documentation until the time of your interview.
2. DISABILITY/HANDICAP:
• Award Letter from Social Security Office: You must make available to the Housing Authority of the City of Austin evidence of your household's eligibility for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
• Physician Name, Address, Phone Number: If you are not receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration but feel that you have a physical, mental or emotional impairment that: (A) is expected to be of a long-continued and indefinite duration; (B) substantially impedes your ability to live independently; and (C) is of such a nature that such ability could be improved by more suitable housing conditions, you must provide evidence of your disability by having a physician conclude in his/her professional medical opinion a disability exists. HACA will only accept medical opinions relating to any claimed disability provided on a standardized Housing Authority Verification form provided by HACA. Please provide the name, address and phone number on the attached form.
3. DISPLACED FAMILY: You must submit a notarized statement from a government agency establishing such displacement. This statement must include reason for displacement, date of displacement and if due to a natural disaster, the amount of damage made to your home.

Additional Information and Frequently Asked Questions

1. If you have a change of address, you must submit an address update in writing to the attention of the admissions department.
2. If you cannot be contacted at the last address submitted, the housing authority will withdraw your application from the wait list. You will have to reapply.
3. If you want to add a person(s) to your application, you must submit, in writing, the person's name, their date of birth, social security number and their relationship to you.

What happens after you apply?

1. Your application will be screened to see if you are eligible to apply.
2. If you pre-qualify:
• A letter will be sent notifying you that you have pre-qualified.
• Your name will be added to the wait list and you must wait for your appointment letter.
3. The first letter will be the only one you will be receiving for some time. It could be six to 18 months or longer before you receive your appointment letter.
4. The housing authority does not check your waiting list status over the phone. This information is available with the receptionist at our main office or you can request this information by mail. We will respond to any written requests for waiting list information within a week. You can also email status requests or any general questions to admissions@hacanet.org.
5. A letter will be sent to you for your appointment when more vacancies are available and your name comes up on the wait list.
6. After you bring in all required documentation to your appointment, you will be notified if you qualify for the program.
7. If you qualify for the program, the admissions department will invite you to an orientation session.
8. At the orientation, you will either receive a unit (Public Housing) or be issued a voucher (Section 8).

The Interview:
What is the interview for? The purpose of the interview is to review all your information and determine if you qualify for the public housing program.

You will need to bring in the following items to the interview:

1. Birth certificates for everyone in the household
2. Social Security cards for everyone in the household
3. Picture IDs for everyone 16 and over
4. Check stubs if employed
5. Letter from the Dept. of Human Services if you receive TANF and/or food stamps
6. At least three child support stubs if receiving child support
7. Letter from the Social Security office if anyone in the household receives Social Security benefits
8. DPS criminal record for those 17 and over
9. Bank statements if you have a savings or checking account

After the interview, we will determine if you qualify for public housing.

What if you did not qualify?

1. We will send you a letter stating the reason(s) you did not qualify
2. You may appeal this decision

How to appeal:

1. If you decide to appeal, you would have to submit your appeal in writing within 10 days after the date of the rejection letter.
2. If you do not request an informal hearing within that time, the decision will be final and you will not be able to apply for the same program for 12 months.
3. If a hearing is requested, we will send you a letter notifying you about your appointment with a hearing officer.
4. You will get your appointment letter within two to six months.
5. If you miss your scheduled hearing the decision will be final.

Orientation:

1. Once you qualify for the program, you will receive an invitation letter to attend orientation.
2. You will watch a video, listen to speakers and fill out paperwork at the orientation.
3. This is the opportunity for you to learn all about the program and have your questions and concerns answered.
4. Once you have completed the orientation session, an apartment will be assigned to you depending upon availability.