HUD-VASH (HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) Program Overview
What is HUD-VASH?
HUD-VASH is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance administered by a Public Housing Authority (PHA) with intensive case management and supportive services provided by the VA. The purpose of the program is to assist eligible homeless veterans in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing using a Housing First approach.
Eligibility
Eligible participants must generally be U.S. military veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness as determined by the VA. Applicants must meet applicable HUD income requirements and be referred to the PHA by the VA. Veterans do not apply directly to the housing authority.
Program Process
1. Veteran contacts the VA.
2. VA determines eligibility.
3. VA refers the veteran to the local PHA.
4. PHA issues a HUD-VASH voucher.
5. Veteran locates an eligible unit.
6. Unit passes inspection.
7. HAP contract is executed.
8. Veteran receives ongoing VA case management.
Housing First Philosophy
HUD-VASH follows a Housing First model. Veterans are offered housing without first requiring sobriety or participation in treatment. Stable housing serves as the foundation for long-term recovery and self-sufficiency.
Supportive Services
The VA may provide mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, medical referrals, financial counseling, transportation assistance, benefits counseling, crisis intervention, and housing stabilization services.
HUD-VASH vs. Regular HCV
Unlike a regular Housing Choice Voucher, HUD-VASH participants must be referred by the VA and receive ongoing supportive services. The program is jointly administered by the PHA and the VA.
Portability
HUD-VASH vouchers are portable when the receiving PHA administers HUD-VASH and the receiving VA Medical Center agrees to provide case management. Coordination between both PHAs and both VA Medical Centers is required before the move.
Income Rules
HUD-VASH includes alternative eligibility provisions. In certain situations, veterans with incomes up to 80 percent of Area Median Income may qualify. Service-connected VA disability compensation is excluded from annual income for HUD-VASH eligibility determinations.
PHA Responsibilities
PHAs are responsible for determining eligibility after referral, issuing vouchers, conducting inspections, determining rent reasonableness, executing HAP contracts, calculating assistance payments, completing annual reexaminations, and coordinating with VA case managers.
VA Responsibilities
The VA determines eligibility, refers veterans to the PHA, provides case management and supportive services, monitors housing stability, and coordinates with the PHA throughout the participant's enrollment.
Termination
Veterans remain subject to Housing Choice Voucher family obligations. Before termination, HUD encourages PHAs to coordinate with the veteran's VA case manager to resolve issues whenever possible.
Funding
Congress has funded HUD-VASH vouchers annually since 2008. HUD allocates vouchers based on need and program performance, and funding is renewed through the Housing Choice Voucher renewal process.
Primary HUD References
• HUD-VASH Operating Requirements (2024 Update)
• HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook – HUD-VASH Chapter
• 24 CFR Part 982
• 24 CFR Part 983 (when applicable)