SHV Referral Procedure

Selection Plan

Each Project has a DOH-approved Tenant Selection Plan (for project-based vouchers) or Participant Selection Plan (for tenant-based vouchers) which outlines general SHV program eligibility criteria, Project-specific eligibility criteria, Project-specific referral sources, and Project-specific prioritization preferences. For more information, please see the SHV chapter of the DOH Administrative Plan.

Referral & Application Submission Process

SHV Referral Packet: Once the Referral Partner selects a household (based on their Project’s Tenant/Participant Selection Plan) for the program, they must work with the applicant household to complete the SHV Referral Packet. The SHV Referral Packet Google Drive folder is shared with each Referral Partner during Project setup. The folder includes step-by-step instructions for completing and submitting the SHV Referral Packet. The SHV Referral Packet is the same across the HSP-SHV, MH-SHV, and ROHP-SHV programs, though the exact referral process may vary from Project to Project.

Tenant-Based Voucher Referral Process: For tenant-based Projects, the exact referral and submission process varies based on the project and will be discussed with the SHV Program Manager upon initial project setup. Generally, the SHV Referral Packet must be submitted to the Voucher Administrator (or directly to DOH in some cases) and reviewed for accuracy and completeness. A Tenant-Based SHV Referral Google Form must also be completed, which provides DOH necessary information for issuing the voucher.

If approved, DOH will issue the voucher and send an email to the relevant parties notifying them of the participant’s application approval and voucher issuance. Next steps (i.e., scheduling a voucher briefing for the participant) are included in the email. It typically takes 3-5 business days for DOH to review the application (if submitted directly to DOH) and issue the voucher. It may take longer if any items are missing or incomplete.

Project-Based Voucher Referral Process: Generally, for project-based Projects, the referral process is articulated within the Tenant Selection Plan.

Voucher Issuance

Once a participant is approved for the SHV program, they will be contacted by the Voucher Administrator to complete a voucher briefing. At this briefing, the participant will receive the voucher, or Rental Assistance Document (RAD), and learn about the rules and regulations of the voucher program.

Information and paperwork provided at the voucher briefing can be difficult to understand. It is highly recommended that the participant’s support team (e.g., case manager) attend the voucher briefing to help the participant understand and retain information presented.

Once the participant completes the briefing, they can begin searching for housing with their voucher.