What Is Preference
Preference is priority placement on a waiting list granted to applicants in specific categories. Under HUD regulations, PHAs must establish local preferences that prioritize applicants experiencing homelessness, those with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, and veterans. Some PHAs add locally-defined preferences for families with children or individuals employed in the jurisdiction.
Preference Categories
HUD does not mandate a single preference structure. Each PHA establishes its own local preferences within federal guidelines. The most common categories are:
- Homelessness or risk of homelessness: Families currently experiencing homelessness or those with an eviction notice and no alternative housing receive the highest priority in most jurisdictions.
- Domestic violence survivors: Those fleeing abuse and needing emergency relocation.
- Disability status: Applicants with disabilities that impact housing access, particularly those needing accessible units.
- Veteran status: Veterans and their families, sometimes with additional priority for those experiencing homelessness.
- Local preferences: Individual PHAs may add employment in the jurisdiction, residency in the PHA area, or occupancy of substandard housing.
How Preferences Affect Waiting Lists
When an applicant qualifies for preference, they move ahead of non-preference applicants. If a waiting list has 500 applicants and you qualify for preference, you enter that preference tier rather than the general tier. This can reduce your wait time from years to months, depending on voucher availability and local demand.
Preferences do not guarantee immediate voucher issuance. They simply reorder the queue. A PHA with 100 vouchers annually will issue them to preference-qualified applicants first, then non-preference applicants in application date order.
Documentation Requirements
You must document your preference status when applying. Homelessness requires verification from a shelter or social service agency. Domestic violence victims may provide court documentation or a statement from a counselor. Disability requires medical verification. Veterans provide a DD 214 discharge certificate or VA documentation. PHAs must verify all preference claims before granting priority status.
Common Questions
- Can I claim multiple preferences at once? Yes, but you receive the benefit of your highest preference tier only. The ranking order varies by PHA, though homelessness typically tops most local preference hierarchies.
- Does preference guarantee I'll get a voucher? No. Preference determines order on the list. Voucher availability depends on PHA funding. You could have preference and still wait if no vouchers are available.
- How do I know my PHA's preference order? Contact your local PHA directly or check their admissions plan. This document is public and outlines all local preferences and their priority sequence.