How to Get an Emergency Housing Voucher in Virginia: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Right now, over 12,000 households in Virginia face homelessness or imminent eviction. If you're one of them, knowing how to get an emergency housing voucher quickly could save your home. Unlike regular Section 8 vouchers, emergency housing vouchers (EHVs) are designed for urgent situations and process much faster. Here’s exactly how to apply in Virginia in 2026.

What is an Emergency Housing Voucher?

Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) is a federal program created under the American Rescue Plan Act. Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), it provides immediate rental assistance for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their home. Unlike traditional vouchers, EHVs cover rent for up to 12 months while you find stable housing. They prioritize families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Eligibility Requirements in Virginia

To qualify for an emergency housing voucher in Virginia, you must meet specific criteria:

• Income limits: Your household income must be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county. For example, in Richmond, the AMI for a family of four is $85,000, so you’d need to earn under $42,500. In Alexandria, the AMI is $100,000, meaning a $50,000 income limit. Rural counties like Buchanan have lower AMIs-around $60,000 for a family of four.
• Homelessness status: You must be currently homeless (living in a shelter, car, or outdoors) or at imminent risk of homelessness (like receiving an eviction notice within 14 days). Some PHAs also accept applicants in unsafe conditions, such as domestic violence shelters.
• Special priorities: Virginia PHAs often give priority to families with children under 18, seniors over 62, veterans, and people with documented disabilities.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for an emergency housing voucher in Virginia is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Find your local Public Housing Authority (PHA): Virginia has over 30 PHAs serving different regions. For example, if you live in Norfolk, contact the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. In Fairfax County, reach out to the Fairfax County Office of Housing. Use the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) website to find your local PHA. You can also call their hotline at 800-552-3402 for assistance.
2. Apply online or in person: Some PHAs, like Richmond’s RRHA, accept applications online at RRHA.org. Others, like Alexandria’s Housing Authority, require a walk-in appointment at their office. Call ahead to confirm the process-many PHAs now offer video consultations for faster service.
3. Submit required documents: Bring your government ID, Social Security card, proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), and evidence of your housing emergency (eviction notice, shelter letter, etc.). PHAs typically give you 10 days to submit missing paperwork.
4. Wait for approval: In urgent cases like imminent eviction, PHAs process applications within 7-10 business days. For less urgent situations, it may take up to 30 days. Always follow up weekly to check status.

Required Documents Checklist

Missing documents are the #1 reason applications get delayed. Here’s what you need:

• Government-issued ID (driver’s license or state ID)
• Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters)
• Documentation of your housing emergency (eviction notice, shelter stay records, or a letter from a social worker)
• Proof of household size (birth certificates for children, lease agreement)
• Social Security cards for all household members
• For self-employed applicants: Profit/loss statements and tax returns
• For government benefit recipients: SNAP or TANF award letters

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple errors can cost you time. Watch out for these:

• Applying to the wrong PHA: Your local PHA is based on where you live, not where you’re applying from. For example, if you live in Roanoke but apply to the Lynchburg PHA, your application will be rejected. Always confirm your PHA using the DHCD website.
• Missing document deadlines: PHAs usually give you 10 days to submit missing paperwork. Waiting too long means your application is denied. Set phone reminders to follow up.
• Not knowing your AMI: Many applicants don’t check their county’s Area Median Income. You can find this on the DHCD website or by calling your local PHA. For instance, in Newport News, the AMI for a family of four is $82,000.
• Forgetting to follow up: After submitting your application, call your PHA weekly. Many applicants assume they’re approved but never hear back because they didn’t check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions