Housing Assistance Office
The Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office helps eligible families access affordable housing opportunities through federally funded housing assistance programs. This article explains the office’s role, available programs, housing application information, eligibility requirements, participant services, online systems, and ways to avoid common mistakes when seeking assistance.
Housing Assistance Office Role
The Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office (TCHAO) provides housing assistance services for extremely low, very low, and low-income families. The office’s mission is to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing while managing housing resources effectively and helping families move toward greater economic and social stability.
TCHAO administers housing voucher programs and works with applicants, participating families, property owners, and landlords. The office operates as a public service agency and follows federal, state, county, and local requirements, including Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity rules and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
The office was established in 1975 to administer the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8. The program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). TCHAO administers vouchers and does not operate public housing units.
Residents can learn more about the agency’s mission, responsibilities, and services through the Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office page.
Available Housing Programs
TCHAO provides several housing-related programs and services designed for applicants, current participants, and property owners. The office’s programs include rental assistance options, participant support services, and special voucher programs.
The Housing Assistance Office programs page lists the main service areas offered by the agency, including:
Assistance Connect online services
Property Owner and Landlord programs
Program Participant services
Special Purpose Voucher Programs
Family Self-Sufficiency services
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to very low and low-income families. Funding is provided through HUD, and eligible voucher holders can select decent, safe, and sanitary housing that meets program requirements.
Families approved for assistance are responsible for finding suitable housing based on household size and program rules. Voucher holders may be able to remain in their current residence if the unit meets program requirements.
The voucher must initially be used within the Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office jurisdiction. After the first year, voucher holders may transfer their voucher to another agency within the continental United States that administers the Section 8 program.
Housing Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for housing assistance is based on household income and the number of people living in the household. TCHAO determines the level of assistance a participant receives and notifies property owners of the housing assistance portion.
For the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the household income limits depend on family size. The 2025 income limits provided by TCHAO include:
1 person family: $37,350
2 person family: $42,700
3 person family: $48,050
4 person family: $53,350
5 person family: $57,650
6 person family: $61,900
7 person family: $66,200
8 person family: $70,450
The participant generally pays a portion of the authorized rent directly to the landlord, while TCHAO provides the remaining subsidy amount according to program rules.
More details about program requirements and income guidelines are available through the Housing Choice Voucher eligibility information.
Housing Application Process
The application process depends on whether TCHAO is accepting applications for available waiting lists. Applicants should only use official Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office information when checking application status or availability.
The Apply for Housing information page provides information about eligibility, application steps, waiting list information, where to apply, and what applicants should do while waiting.
Current Waiting List Status
The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is currently closed. TCHAO advises applicants not to provide personal information to websites or social media pages claiming to offer unofficial voucher applications.
When a waiting list opens, applicants should apply only through official housing authority channels. The office warns that fraudulent websites may attempt to collect personal information or fees by claiming to provide Section 8 application services.
Information While Waiting
Placement on a waiting list does not determine final eligibility for assistance. When an applicant’s position is reached, TCHAO will contact the applicant in writing with instructions for determining eligibility.
Applicants on a waiting list should keep their information current. Changes to mailing addresses must be reported to the office in writing. Failure to update information may result in removal from the waiting list.
Participant Online Services
TCHAO provides online services through MRI Assistance Connect, a secure online system that allows participants to manage housing assistance information without visiting the office for many routine tasks.
The Assistance Connect online service allows participants to:
View information about their housing assistance
Contact housing staff through the online system
Report interim changes
Complete annual recertification activities
Submit requested or supporting documents
Track the progress of interim changes
Participants receive instructions for creating an Assistance Connect profile through a letter from TCHAO. The instructions include information needed to create an account, including a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and preferred username.
Account Information Changes
Participants should keep their Assistance Connect account information current. If a participant needs to reset access information and their phone number and email address have not changed, password recovery options are available through the online system.
If both the phone number and email address have changed, participants must contact the office for assistance with updating account information.
Special Voucher Programs
TCHAO also manages special voucher programs for specific groups and circumstances. Availability and referral requirements vary by program.
The Special Voucher Programs information includes details about:
Mainstream Section 811 Vouchers
Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Program
Family Unification Program (FUP)
Foster Youth Initiative (FYI)
Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Some programs require referrals from specific agencies. For example, Family Unification Program and Foster Youth Initiative referrals must come through Child Protective Services. Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing requires an eligibility determination by the VA before a housing referral is made.
Documents and Forms
TCHAO provides forms and publications for applicants, participants, and property owners. These documents may include forms related to housing changes, verification requests, inspections, accommodations, rent requests, and other program activities.
The Housing Assistance Office forms and publications page includes documents such as:
Client Statement Form
Housing Discrimination Information
Reasonable Accommodation Request
Reporting Change Form
Rent Increase Request Form
Voucher Extension Request
Utility Allowance documents
Some documents contain editable form fields. Browser security settings may prevent editing forms online, and users may need to download files directly to complete them.
Avoiding Housing Assistance Scams
Applicants searching for housing assistance should verify information through official Tarrant County sources. TCHAO has warned residents about fraudulent websites and social media pages that claim to provide Section 8 applications or waiting list access.
Applicants should not provide personal information or payment to unofficial websites claiming to place people on housing waiting lists. The official application process is available only through authorized housing assistance channels when waiting lists are open.
Services for Property Owners
TCHAO works with property owners and landlords who provide rental housing through housing voucher programs. The office partners with apartment owners, multi-family property owners, and private landlords to increase affordable housing opportunities.
Property owners participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program can access services related to program participation, inspections, notifications, and required documentation.
The office provides virtual landlord briefings for first-time landlords and current landlords who want updated program information. Once partnered with TCHAO, landlords may use Assistance Connect to monitor HAP payments, receive inspection notifications, review inspection results, complete forms, and submit documents electronically.
Housing Assistance Contact Information
The Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office provides assistance for applicants, participants, and property owners through its main office and communication channels.
Department List
Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office
2100 Circle Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76119
817-531-7640
Housing Assistance Office FAQs
How can I check if housing applications are open?
The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list status can change based on availability. Applicants should check the official Apply for Housing information before submitting any information. The current waiting list status and application instructions are provided only through official Tarrant County sources. Avoid websites or social media pages claiming to accept voucher applications when the official waiting list is closed.
What should I do while waiting for housing assistance?
Being placed on a waiting list does not mean a household is automatically approved for assistance. When an applicant reaches the next step, Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office provides written instructions about the eligibility process. Applicants should keep their mailing information updated because changes must be reported to help prevent removal from the waiting list. More details are available through the official Wait List Information page.
Can participants manage their housing assistance online?
Current participants can use MRI Assistance Connect to review assistance information, communicate with housing staff, report interim changes, complete annual recertification activities, submit documents, and track certain requests. Participants receive instructions for creating an account, including profile setup information, through official program communications. The Assistance Connect online service provides access to these participant features.
What special voucher programs are available?
Special voucher options may be available for specific situations and eligibility groups. Tarrant County Housing Assistance Office provides information about programs such as Mainstream Vouchers, Non-Elderly Disabled programs, Family Unification Program referrals, Foster Youth Initiative referrals, and Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing. Requirements and referral processes vary by program, so applicants should review the official Special Voucher Programs information for current details.