What may happen to mixed families in the HCV program?

In the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, mixed families are defined as families that include both eligible and ineligible members, typically consisting of some individuals who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and others who do not meet these criteria. When it comes to determining the level of assistance for mixed families, prorated assistance is a common approach.

Prorated assistance means that the housing benefit a mixed family receives is adjusted based on the number of eligible family members compared to the total number of family members. For instance, if 2 out of 4 family members are eligible, the assistance the family receives would be calculated based on this ratio, resulting in a lesser amount than what would be provided if all family members were eligible.

This method ensures compliance with program regulations while still providing some level of support to the family rather than denying assistance entirely. While mixed families continue to receive support, it is limited and specifically tailored to reflect the presence of eligible versus ineligible members, maintaining fairness in the distribution of public housing resources. This detailed understanding helps illustrate why prorated assistance is a key outcome for mixed families participating in the HCV program.