With a cost of living 13 percent higher than the national average, housing 23 percent higher, and utilities 31 percent higher, residents of Connecticut have an elevated need for affordable housing options.
Affordable housing is housing that only requires up to 30–40 percent of a family’s income to pay for rent and utilities. Usually, families must earn below a certain percentage of the area median income (AMI) to be eligible for a housing assistance program.
Individuals, families, and people with disabilities can apply for low-income housing with nonprofits and local government agencies to see if they qualify for housing assistance to avoid experiencing homelessness, which can be difficult to escape once it occurs. With a high demand and limited supply of affordable housing, Connecticut has one of the most constrained housing markets in the nation. Affordable housing programs help alleviate the financial burden on low-income families to ensure they have access to safe, sanitary housing, enabling them to allocate resources to other essential needs.
Prominent communities that accept housing assistance payments include Charter Oak Communities, Park City Communities, and Elm City Communities.
Overview of Affordable Housing Programs
Federal Programs for Housing Assistance
Federal programs like the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program exist to help low-income residents find housing opportunities in the private market. By providing vouchers to low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, this program allows participants to choose their own housing as long as it meets the program requirements. This program is managed by local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) that receive federal funds from HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) to distribute the vouchers.
Family size and total annual gross income are the primary basis for eligibility. Generally, the household income cannot exceed 80 percent of the AMI for their county or city. Different PHAs may have differing considerations for persons applying, so you should always check with your local Authority for a detailed account of eligibility criteria.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Application Process
Step 1: Contact your local PHA using the HUD website.
Step 2: Complete the Housing Voucher application. Be as honest and detailed as possible. Ensure you have all the documentation and information, such as tax returns, bank statements, and identification for all members of your household. Incorrect information can cause delays or cause your application to be rejected altogether.
Step 3: Wait for your application to be reviewed. Most programs have a waiting list, with some families having priority over others. Once your application is reviewed, the PHA will notify you of your acceptance or rejection.
Step 4: Receive your voucher. If your application is accepted, you can start looking for a landlord who accepts housing assistance payments. Once you’ve found a property, it must be approved by the PHA to ensure it meets the program’s rules and regulations.
By providing additional funds, the Housing Choice Voucher has helped many families transition from unstable housing situations—where they may have been facing eviction—to secure homes, improving their quality of life and financial stability.
State Programs
Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is a state-sponsored program that provides housing assistance to low-income families, helping them find affordable housing in the private market. Participants are free to choose from apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes as long as they meet program requirements.
The Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) funds RAP certificates and distributes them statewide in collaboration with J. D’Amelia Associates (JDA). PHAs and a Community Action Agency are then subcontracted by JDA to operate RAP, providing housing subsidies to landlords on behalf of the residents.
Eligibility for this program depends on a couple of different factors including the household’s AGI (annual gross income) and the definition of a family according to the state. Generally, a family’s AGI cannot be more than 50 percent of the AMI for the county or city they live in. For Connecticut, this is informed by HUD’s AMI levels. Participation is limited to U.S. citizens and specified non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
The number of families in need of housing assistance almost always exceeds the limited amount of funds available, creating long waiting lists. In Connecticut, the DOH closes the waiting list once the number of families needing assistance is more than the amount that can be helped in the near future.
To apply, the head of household submits an application containing all pertinent information including family composition, income, and assets. This information is verified by the PHA and used to determine if the family qualifies and, if so, for how much assistance. If the family cannot be helped immediately, they’ll be put on a waiting list until the PHA can issue them a certificate.
If the waitlist is closed the first time you go to apply, you can register at cthcvp.org to receive a notification when it reopens.
Affordable Housing Program (AHP) aka Flex
The Affordable Housing Program (AHP), also known as Flex, went into effect on July 1, 2001, and aims to create affordable housing by providing grants, loans, loan guarantees, deferred loans, or a combination of these. By providing the resources mentioned above, Connecticut is providing more ways for residents to afford decent rental homes and apartments, supporting and promoting homeownership and mixed-income developments, and assisting in the revitalization of urban and rural areas.
Funding comes from General Obligation Bonds, and eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofits, local housing authorities, and for-profit developers.
Housing Trust Fund
The Housing Trust Fund went into effect on July 1, 2005, to provide the Connecticut Individual Development Account housing program with gap financing, grants, loan guarantees, low- and no-interest loans, and funding. Administered by the DOH, the Housing Trust Fund program was created to increase affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. By encouraging more homeownership opportunities and an increase in the number of affordable places for tenants to rent, this program is helping to revitalize more communities through rehabilitation and preservation.
Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofits, local housing authorities, for-profit organizations, and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority. Uses include but are not limited to acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction, demolition, and homeownership.
Recent Developments and Initiatives
In an effort to support family success, Connecticut has implemented new strategies and programs that address the shortage of low-income housing while recognizing the need for stability in early childhood development.
Head Start on Housing
According to the Connecticut Fair Housing Center, a child’s housing circumstances can have major effects on their emotional well-being, academic success, and access to opportunities throughout their life. Head Start on Housing is made possible by Head Start and exists to connect landlords with families who need stable housing. In the fight to end homelessness and help families progress financially, Head Start provides services that promote school readiness for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
State Financing for New Housing Units
As of February 2025, Connecticut has approved funding for several projects and property development initiatives to increase housing for low-income individuals and families. They include nine developments with 381 affordable units across eight cities and towns, a $58.6 million investment to create a program that provides stable housing and recovery support for Connecticut residents experiencing opioid addiction, and $12.8 million in grants to eight municipalities to rehabilitate and modernize infrastructure in housing for moderate and low-income residents.
Cities, towns, and communities set to benefit include Ashford, Canton, Windsor, East Windsor, Southington, Stonington, Tolland, Watertown, Fairfield, Stamford, Stratford, West Hartford, Ansonia, and more.
Challenges in Affordable Housing
Connecticut faces a significant gap between the demand for affordable housing and available units. For example, over 50,000 families are currently on waiting lists for Section 8 and other assistance programs, with waiting periods often exceeding two years in many cities like Hartford and New Haven.
Connecticut’s budget constraints have directly impacted the availability of funds for affordable housing projects. Recent state reports show that only a fraction of the needed financing for new housing developments is being allocated, causing delays in addressing housing shortages.
Specific towns, such as Greenwich and Westport, have faced criticism for restrictive zoning practices that limit multifamily housing developments. Local opposition, often referred to as “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) sentiment, further hampers efforts to build affordable housing in suburban areas.
How to Apply for Assistance
Navigating the application process for affordable housing programs in Connecticut requires understanding eligibility criteria and the steps to apply. Eligibility for programs like Section 8 and the Rental Assistance Program depends on the AMI set by HUD and household size. Household income for eligible applicants cannot exceed 80 percent of the AMI, and the household must include every individual, regardless of relation, living in the unit.
Application Process
To apply, you’ll need to provide information and documentation on identification, income, proof of residency, previous housing history, and more.
Follow these guidelines to increase your chances of a successful application:
- Ensure your application is as detailed and accurate as possible.
- Fill out every part of the application.
- Ensure all required documents are included and legible.
- Adhere to application deadlines.
For more specific information on waitlists and to apply for housing and homeownership assistance, you can visit the Connecticut State Department of Housing website, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority website, or HUD’s PHA Contact Information Page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Section 8 and RAP?
Section 8 is a federal program that provides vouchers for use in the private market while RAP is Connecticut’s state-sponsored program administered by the Connecticut DOH.
How long are waiting lists for housing assistance?
Consult your local PHA or the DOH for specific waitlist timelines, as they significantly vary by program and location. It can be anywhere from a couple of months to years.
Can I apply for multiple programs simultaneously?
Yes, you can apply for multiple programs at one time. In fact, this is one of the best ways to increase your chances of acceptance more quickly.
Are there affordable housing options for seniors or people with disabilities?
Yes, there are various affordable housing options exclusively for the elderly and people with disabilities. Some programs even prioritize applications based on these criteria.
How can I stay updated on new developments or opportunities?
Regularly visit state and PHA websites to stay current on new developments and opportunities. Subscribe to their newsletters or alerts if they offer them.
Need Help? Explore Housing and Legal Resources
With Connecticut’s high cost of living, affordable housing programs are critical to fighting homelessness and increasing thriving, safe communities in the state. Secure the assistance you and your family need by being proactive staying informed, and understanding the application process.
If you or someone you know is in need of housing assistance, legal aid to fight foreclosure, or facing an eviction, these resources can help:
As always, our team is here to help! Don’t hesitate to get in touch.