EFFECTIVE APRIL 12, 2024, AT 3:30 PM, THE WAUSAU COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (WCDA) SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM WAITING LIST IS CLOSED.

Program Overview and Guidelines

What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program provides rental assistance to low-income individuals and families, helping them access affordable housing in the private market. Program  participants generally contribute between 30% and 40% of their monthly adjusted income toward rent and utilities. The Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) subsidize the balance of the rent to the property owner.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for a rental voucher is determined by the Wausau Community Development Authority (WCDA)  based on total annual gross income and family size and is limited to U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.   In general, the family’s income may not exceed 50% of the median income for Marathon County, as outlined below:

Qualifying Income Limits (as of 04/01/25)

(Income limits for families larger than five members are available upon request.)

During the application process, the WCDA will collect information on family income, assets, and household composition.

Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the WCDA will contact you by letter to schedule a briefing appointment. At that time, the WCDA will verify your income and assets through local agencies, your employer, and your bank. This information will be used to determine your eligibility for the program and the amount of rental assistance payment.

Participant & Landlord Information

Finding a Rental Unit

Once issued a Housing Choice Voucher by the WCDA, you can search the private rental market in the WCDA jurisdiction . The unit must be:

• Decent, safe, and sanitary according to standards established by HUD and the WCDA.
• The property owner must be willing to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program.
• The property owner must be willing to enter into a lease agreement with an initial term of one year.

After WCDA approval, a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract is signed between the WCDA and the landlord, subsidizing the rent on the tenant’s behalf.  Tenants are responsible for paying the monthly difference between the total rent and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), as well as any utilities not covered by the assistance and assigned to the tenant.

Portability (Moving with Assistance)

A family’s housing needs change over time with changes in family size, job locations and for other reasons.  The Housing Choice Voucher program is designed to allow families to move without the loss of rental assistance.    

• New voucher holders may lease through any housing authority in the U.S. if they initially resided in the WCDA jurisdiction upon application.
• New voucher holders who did not reside in the WCDA jurisdiction upon application must first rent within WCDA's jurisdiction for twelve months under the HCV program before relocating.

Moves are permissible as long as the family notifies the WCDA ahead of time, terminates its existing lease within the appropriate provisions, and finds acceptable alternate housing.  If you would choose to leave the WCDA jurisdiction you will need to contact the WCDA on the procedure for portability.

For more details on portability, visit HUD's Portability Guide.

Lease and Contract Terms

• After the first year, the lease is renewed for a specified time period (month-to-month, six months, etc.).
• Participants may vacate the unit with proper notice to both the landlord and WCDA prior to the lease expiration date. Participants have the option to move to another unit within WCDA’s jurisdiction at the end of the lease term, provided proper notice is given.
• If you remain in the unit, you are recertified for eligibility and the unit is inspected for Housing Quality Standards annually or bi-annually, at which time the landlord may request an annual adjustment rent increase which must be approved by the WCDA.  This request must be submitted in writing to the WCDA and to you within sixty days prior to renewal. 

For a guide on rental housing requirements, review A Good Place to Live!.

Application and Documents

Waiting List Status: As of April 12, 2024, at 3:30 PM, the Section 8 waiting list is closed.

Contact Information

For questions or assistance, contact the Wausau Community Development Authority:

• Phone: 715-261-6687

• Amy Bolder-Myers Email: Email

Roles in the Section 8 Program

• Tenant: Responsible for finding a rental, adhering to lease terms, and paying their portion of rent.

• Landlord: Provides housing that meets HQS, adheres to lease agreements, and receives subsidy payments from WCDA.

• Housing Authority (WCDA): Administers the program, conducts inspections, and ensures compliance.

• HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development): Oversees funding and regulations for the program.

For more details, visit the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program Page or call WCDA at 715-261-6687.