The Section 8 Designated Housing program provides Section 8 vouchers to PHAs that have an approved HUD Allocation Plan for their federal public housing units to: (1) implement “elderly only” housing policies; (2) implement “disabled only” housing policies; or (3) implement “mixed elderly/disabled” housing policies. Only non-elderly people with disabilities (under 62 years old) can receive vouchers from this set-aside, which are intended to expand the supply of Section 8 housing opportunities for non-elderly people with disabilities who may have been negatively impacted by PHA designation policies.

PHAs must submit Allocation Plans to HUD in order to designate a number of units as "elderly only," "disabled only," or "mixed." Across the country, many PHAs have chosen to implement "elderly only" housing, thereby diminishing the supply of affordable housing options for people with disabilities. See HUD's Designated Housing Status Report.

HUD Notice PIH 2005-05

On February 1, 2005, HUD published a PIH 2005-05 that addressed the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and people with disabilities. This is the first Notice that HUD has provided to PHAs to inform them that all 62,000 vouchers must continue to be used for people with disabilities. Because they can only be issued to people with disabilities, these vouchers are a potential source of funding for supportive housing.

• Read TAC's Action Alert regarding these special purpose vouchers.


• Listing of voucher awards (includes Designated Vouchers and Mainstream Vouchers with One Year Funding.)


• For more information on the Designated Housing Vouchers, read TAC's Opening Doors, Issue 15.