◢ Housing program · Verified August 24, 2026
HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
Housing Choice Voucher plus VA case management for homeless veterans. Combines rental subsidy with mental health, substance use, and clinical support.
Rental subsidy + VA case management
Varies
Housing Choice Voucher pays the difference between roughly 30 percent of the veteran's adjusted monthly income and the local Payment Standard (typically 90 to 110 percent of Fair Market Rent). In FY2026, 2-bedroom Fair Market Rents range from about $1,200 per month in low-cost metros to over $2,900 per month in high-cost metros. Value also includes ongoing VA case management, primary health care, mental health services, substance use treatment, and employment support with no time limit while the veteran remains eligible.
Reach
97,411 unique eligible veterans served in FY2025; 250,000+ veterans housed cumulatively since 2008; 118,000+ active vouchers as of June 2026 (HUD Press Release HUD-NO 26-052, June 26, 2026; GovInfo CMR-VA1-00201611)
Federal program data
Time to apply
VA screening within days of call. Voucher issuance and unit placement typically 60 to 180 days after VA referral; timing depends on PHA capacity and local rental market conditions.
Free · no application fee
◢ What is HUD-VASH?
HUD-VASH is a joint HUD and VA program that pairs a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8 rental subsidy) with VA case management for veterans experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness. As of the June 2026 allocation, more than 118,000 HUD-VASH vouchers are active nationwide, and the program has housed more than 250,000 veterans since it launched in 2008, according to HUD Press Release HUD-NO 26-052. In FY2025, 97,411 unique eligible veterans received HUD-VASH support. The 2024 expansion raised the initial income eligibility limit from 50 percent to 80 percent of Area Median Income and excludes VA service-connected benefits from the countable income test, per GAO Report GAO-26-107517. Veterans apply through the VA rather than a Public Housing Agency waiting list: call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838, request a HUD-VASH screening, and the VA coordinates with the local PHA to issue the voucher plus assign a case manager.
◢ HUD-VASH at a glance
- Program: HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
- Administered by: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Rental subsidy + VA case management: Varies
- Cost to apply: Free, no application fee
- Application time: VA screening within days of call. Voucher issuance and unit placement typically 60 to 180 days after VA referral
- Who it serves: 97,411 unique eligible veterans served in FY2025; 250,000+ veterans housed cumulatively since 2008; 118,000+ active vouchers as of June 2026 (HUD Press Release HUD-NO 26-052, June 26, 2026; GovInfo CMR-VA1-00201611)
- Where to apply: Through the official U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) portal or your state's administering office.
◢ What this program does
HUD-VASH is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It pairs a Housing Choice Voucher (a Section 8 rental subsidy) with wraparound VA case management for veterans experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness.
As of the June 2026 allocation, more than 118,000 HUD-VASH vouchers are active nationwide, and the program has housed more than 250,000 veterans since it launched in 2008 (HUD Press Release HUD-NO 26-052, June 26, 2026). HUD and VA awarded 2,532 new vouchers in June 2026 across 265 Public Housing Agencies in 44 states.
In FY2025, HUD-VASH served 97,411 unique eligible veterans, of whom 12,882 were women and 84,268 were men. The initial income eligibility ceiling was raised from 50 percent to 80 percent of Area Median Income, and VA service-connected benefits are excluded from the applicant's countable income for this test (GAO Report GAO-26-107517).
Unlike a normal Section 8 application, HUD-VASH does not go through a PHA waiting list. Veterans must first be assessed by a VA medical center for clinical/case-management eligibility. If VA determines HUD-VASH is appropriate, VA works with the local Public Housing Agency to issue the voucher and connects the veteran with a case manager who provides ongoing housing search help, health care coordination, mental health services, substance use treatment, and employment support.
◢ Who qualifies
Who qualifies for HUD-VASH?
- Veteran who served in active military, naval, or air/space service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable (general court-martial dismissal excludes eligibility)
- Currently experiencing homelessness, or in circumstances qualifying under HUD-VASH rules as an eligible homeless veteran
- Demonstrated need for ongoing case management or supportive services, especially where substantial barriers exist such as long-term homelessness, physical or mental health conditions, substance use, or complex care needs
- Household income at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income at initial certification (raised from 50 percent under 2024 expansion); VA service-connected benefits are excluded from the countable income calculation for this test
- Meet HUD and Public Housing Agency household requirements including background screening
- No household member subject to lifetime sex-offender registration
- Willing to accept VA case management as a condition of continued voucher eligibility
A note on eligibility: Final eligibility is determined by the agency administering this program, not by GrantsHubUSA. Confirm current rules with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your state's office before applying.
◢ How to apply
How do you apply for HUD-VASH?
- 1
Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Dial 1-877-424-3838 anytime (24/7) for connection to your nearest VA medical center homeless-services staff. This is the fastest path into the program.
- 2
Or visit your nearest VA medical center
Ask specifically for the Homeless Programs office or a HUD-VASH screening. You do not need an appointment. Say clearly: I am homeless or at risk of homelessness and want to be screened for HUD-VASH.
- 3
Complete the VA clinical assessment
A VA case manager or social worker evaluates your homelessness status, eligibility as a veteran, and clinical need for supportive services. This determines whether HUD-VASH or another VA program (SSVF, GPD, or Grant and Per Diem) is the right fit.
- 4
VA refers your case to the local Public Housing Agency
If HUD-VASH is appropriate, VA sends a referral to the partnering PHA in your area. The PHA verifies HUD income eligibility, runs the background check, and issues the voucher briefing packet.
- 5
Search for and lease an approved unit
Your VA case manager helps with the housing search, landlord communication, and lease review. Once you find a unit within Payment Standard limits, the PHA inspects the unit for Housing Quality Standards and approves the lease.
- 6
Move in and continue VA case management
After move-in, you meet regularly with your VA case manager who continues coordinating health care, mental health services, substance use treatment, employment support, and housing stabilization for as long as needed.
Apply through the official agency
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
◢ Benefit amounts
How much HUD-VASH can you actually get?
The typical HUD-VASH benefit is Varies, per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Housing Choice Voucher pays the difference between roughly 30 percent of the veteran's adjusted monthly income and the local Payment Standard (typically 90 to 110 percent of Fair Market Rent). In FY2026, 2-bedroom Fair Market Rents range from about $1,200 per month in low-cost metros to over $2,900 per month in high-cost metros. Value also includes ongoing VA case management, primary health care, mental health services, substance use treatment, and employment support with no time limit while the veteran remains eligible.
Your actual amount depends on household size, gross monthly income, allowed deductions, and where you live. Most federal assistance programs are administered by state agencies with their own income limits and processing rules.
Who receives HUD-VASH? 97,411 unique eligible veterans served in FY2025; 250,000+ veterans housed cumulatively since 2008; 118,000+ active vouchers as of June 2026 (HUD Press Release HUD-NO 26-052, June 26, 2026; GovInfo CMR-VA1-00201611). Not every eligible household applies, and participation rates vary by state.
If you have never applied before because you assumed you would not qualify, the practical income limits are often higher than people expect once deductions are factored in. Most working households with children in high-cost states qualify for at least the minimum benefit.
How the amount is calculated. Federal programs use national formulas, but every state adjusts income limits, standard deductions, and household size categories under its own regulations.
The exact dollar amount you receive in HUD-VASH depends on which state processes your application. For state-specific numbers, check your state's administering agency on the state directory page or visit the official U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) site.
Application timing matters. Most HUD-VASH decisions take VA screening within days of call. Voucher issuance and unit placement typically 60 to 180 days after VA referral; timing depends on PHA capacity and local rental market conditions.. Applying at the start of a program cycle or fiscal year usually gets you into the queue before annual funding runs low.
Some programs like LIHEAP have seasonal windows that close mid-year; others like SNAP and Medicaid process year-round with rolling eligibility.
What if your amount seems wrong? Every state provides a written notice explaining the calculation, and every applicant has the right to a fair hearing to challenge a benefit amount or denial.
Bring the notice, your income documents, and any deduction receipts to the hearing. Most challenges succeed when a household proves a deduction was not applied.
◢ Quick facts
Application time
VA screening within days of call. Voucher issuance and unit placement typically 60 to 180 days after VA referral; timing depends on PHA capacity and local rental market conditions.
Cost to apply
Free, no application fee
Administering agency
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in partnership with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Last verified
August 24, 2026
◢ Frequently asked
What are the most common HUD-VASH questions?
A veteran who served under conditions other than dishonorable, is currently experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of it, and has a demonstrated need for VA case management to obtain and maintain independent housing. Under the 2024 expansion, the initial income limit rose from 50 percent to 80 percent of Area Median Income, and VA service-connected benefits are excluded from the countable income calculation. Documented in GAO Report GAO-26-107517.
Do not apply through a Public Housing Agency waiting list. Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (available 24/7) or visit your nearest VA medical center and ask to be screened for HUD-VASH. VA determines clinical eligibility first, then coordinates with the local PHA to issue the voucher. This dual-agency intake is what separates HUD-VASH from standard Section 8.
There is no lifetime time limit. As long as the veteran remains eligible and continues to accept VA case management, the HUD-VASH voucher remains active. Recertification happens annually, and the voucher moves with the veteran if they relocate within a PHA jurisdiction that offers portability.
HUD-VASH uses the same subsidy math as regular Section 8. The veteran pays approximately 30 percent of adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities; the voucher's Housing Assistance Payment covers the rest up to the local Payment Standard (typically 90 to 110 percent of Fair Market Rent). FY2026 2-bedroom FMRs range from about $1,200 per month in low-cost metros to over $2,900 per month in high-cost metros.
A dishonorable discharge or dismissal by general court-martial excludes eligibility for HUD-VASH. Other-than-honorable, bad-conduct, and general discharges may still qualify depending on the VA's character-of-discharge determination. Contact a VA benefits counselor or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to review your specific discharge status before ruling yourself out.
The voucher covers the entire household living with the veteran, including a spouse and dependent children. The household size is used to determine bedroom size and Fair Market Rent. VA case management is provided to the veteran; family members receive housing stability through the shared unit but not clinical services under HUD-VASH itself.
◢ Primary sources
What sources back this HUD-VASH profile?
Every fact on this page is verifiable against one of the primary sources below. Follow any link to confirm, that's our standing commitment.
- 01HUD: HUD-VASH Program Overview
www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/vash
- 02VA: HUD-VASH Homeless Programs page
department.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/
- 03HUD Press Release HUD-NO 26-052: HUD and VA Announce Funding to Support Over 2,500 Homeless Veterans (June 26, 2026)
www.hud.gov/news/hud-no-26-052
- 04VA Homeless Program Participant Handbook (October 2025)
www.va.gov/files/2025-10/Homeless%20Program%20Participant%20Handbook_0.pdf
- 05GAO Report GAO-26-107517: Veteran Homelessness Programs
www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-107517.pdf
- 06GovInfo CMR-VA1-00201611: Expansion of Eligibility for HUD-VASH (FY2025 unique veterans served data)
www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CMR-VA1-00201611/pdf/CMR-VA1-00201611.pdf
- 07National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-424-3838
department.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/hud-vash_ccm-dsp/
- 08VA: Quick Guide to VA Programs for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
department.va.gov/homeless/quick-guide-va-programs-and-services-for-homeless-and-at-risk-veterans/
Editorial fact-check
This program profile was verified on August 24, 2026.
Every eligibility rule, dollar amount, and deadline on this page was cross-checked against the primary sources listed above before publication, and is reviewed on a rolling schedule as federal and state rules change. Spotted something out of date? Tell us , corrections typically ship within 48 hours.
Not legal, tax, or financial advice. GrantsHubUSA is an independent editorial blog, we're not a government agency and we don't administer this program. Always confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and benefit amounts with the administering agency before applying. See our full disclaimer.
◢ Other programs
What other programs pair well with HUD-VASH?
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Federal rental subsidy that pays your landlord directly, covers the gap between 30% of your household income and fair market rent.
Varies
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Monthly food benefits delivered on an EBT card, the largest US anti-hunger program, formerly known as food stamps.
$298/mo
Federal Pell Grant
Need-based federal grant for undergraduate college, up to $7,395 per year that you do not have to pay back.
$7,395/yr