Applicant Information

DO I HAVE TO BE A DANE COUNTY RESIDENT TO BE ASSISTED?

No, you do not. However, preference is given to those living, working, or attending a training program in Dane County.

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HOW DO I REPORT A CHANGE?

All changes must be submitted in writing.  Report changes of your mailing address, income, family composition, or any other changes to the information you originally stated on your application.  Changes may be faxed to 608-224-3632, mailed/dropped off at the dropbox at our office, or emailed to info@dcha.net.

We only contact applicants by mail, so please make sure your address is current with us.  If we cannot reach you by mail, or mail is returned to us, your name will be withdrawn from the wait list.  Click here to email your change(s).

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WHAT ARE THE INCOME GUIDELINES?

Income limits are calculated by HUD for each Fiscal Year. In order to view the Income Limits for Dane County, navigate to the HUD FY Income Limits Documentation System website. Select "Wisconsin - WI" in the state select scroll box, and then "Dane County, WI" in the county select scroll box. You may then click "View County Guidelines", and it will bring up the relevant information. 

You may also click here to be brought to the most current income guidelines for Dane County. 

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I’VE JUST SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION, HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT FOR HELP?

There is no simple or definitive answer to this question because an applicant’s wait time will depend upon factors like their eligibility, whether or not they have a preference, the date of the application, etc. In general, an applicant’s wait for assisted housing (Public Housing) or housing assistance (Section 8) can vary from months to several years. Public Housing applicants, in addition, to the above must also wait until there is a vacant unit available that meets the needs of the family.

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WHERE AM I ON THE WAITING LISTS?

DCHA does not give out numbers or rankings on the waiting list, simply because your position fluctuates as new applicants are added and others are taken off the waiting lists. We are only able to confirm whether you are active on our waiting list(s) and if your mailing address is correct if you contact us regarding your status.

Please ensure that you keep DCHA up to date on your mailing address - if mail we send out is returned or not responded to, you will be withdrawn and will need to reapply at a later time.

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CAN I APPLY WITH YOU FOR EMERGENCY HOUSING OR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE?

No. We do not provide application-based emergency housing or rental assistance. We also do not provide assistance in searching for housing or advice for legal questions or landlord-tenant disputes. Though you may be eligible for, and in need of housing assistance, there are unfortunately not enough funds to assist everyone who qualifies. This is why the waiting lists and the waiting times are so long.

The DCHA Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program operates on a referral basis. You cannot apply with us for an EHV - prospective EHV recipients must be referred to us by local Continuum of Care organizations and the Coordinated Entry list. If you are behind on your rent due to the pandemic, either directly or indirectly, we encourage you to look into the Dane CORE 2.0 Program, and reach out to the relevant organization regarding eligibility and applications.