The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) administers a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program offers rental assistance to low-income families in northeast Texas. Eligibility is based on HUD-defined income limits. The program ensures housing meets quality standards and provides landlord incentives.
Currently, the waiting list is closed, and applications are chosen via a lottery system when open.
Stay up-to date on upcoming events, classes, and grant deadlines related to Housing with our calendar of events.
We’re here to help low-income families find safe, affordable, and decent housing while empowering them with more housing choices. Our Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program connects families with rental assistance and works with private property owners to make affordable housing accessible.
Voucher System
Families who qualify receive a Housing Choice Voucher, which they can use to rent eligible properties.
Rent Contributions
Participants typically pay a portion of the rent (based on their income), while ATCOG covers the rest. If the participant’s rent contribution exceeds 30% of their income, we provide counseling to ensure families understand their responsibilities. However, the total rent plus utilities cannot exceed 40% of the participant’s monthly adjusted income.
Income
Your family’s income must be at or below 50% of the median income for your county.
Residency/Citizenship
You must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
Family Definition
Most individuals, households, and families with a member who has a disability qualify.
Eligibility is based on HUD guidelines.
Important Note: Applicants may be denied a housing voucher if any household member has a history of eviction for cause, drug-related activity, violent criminal behavior, fraud, or unpaid debts tied to federal housing programs.
We’re committed to helping families and property owners succeed in the Housing Choice Voucher program. However, certain responsibilities must be met to maintain assistance or agreements.
For Participant
If a participant doesn’t follow the terms of their voucher, the statement of family obligations, or lease agreement, their housing assistance could be terminated. It’s important to meet all obligations to continue receiving support.
For Property Owners
Similarly, if a property owner fails to comply with the terms of the lease or Housing Contract, the agreement may be terminated. This ensures the program runs fairly and efficiently for everyone involved.
There are two types of vouchers available through the HCV program.
Vouchers are assigned to a participant to use at a specific project-based property. ATCOG maintains the waiting list and PBVs for the Mt. Pleasant Housing Authority and the PBVs only for the New Boston Housing Authority. New Boston Housing Authority maintains their own waiting list, and you should contact them directly at 903-628-2951 to be placed on their waiting list.
Participants can use their assistance at any home, apartment, or other private market residence that meets household requirements, safety standards, and rent reasonableness.
Effective December 1, 2025
| County | 0 BR | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie | 944 | 954 | 1211 | 1505 | 1822 |
| Camp | 823 | 829 | 1070 | 1488 | 1575 |
| Cass | 810 | 816 | 1070 | 1460 | 1575 |
| Delta | 831 | 888 | 1070 | 1479 | 1494 |
| Franklin | 947 | 973 | 1217 | 1459 | 1791 |
| Hopkins | 1001 | 1047 | 1226 | 1618 | 1623 |
| Lamar | 831 | 863 | 1070 | 1423 | 1461 |
| Morris | 831 | 855 | 1070 | 1379 | 1795 |
| Red River | 738 | 855 | 1070 | 1488 | 1795 |
| Titus | 851 | 856 | 1070 | 1389 | 1416 |
| Upshur | 1107 | 1114 | 1318 | 1766 | 1863 |
| Wood | 775 | 895 | 1124 | 1386 | 1537 |
The FMRs for unit sizes larger than 4 BRs are calculated by adding 15% to the 4 BR FMR for each extra bedroom.
The Payment Standards that are highlighted in red are lower in 2025-26 than they were in 2024-25.
The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) has announced a series of informational events for its Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, designed to help Housing Choice Voucher Read More »
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The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) wants to warn residents of a new phone scam promising "free rent" through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, formerly Read More »
Are you a landlord struggling to find long-term, reliable tenants? The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, formerly known as Section 8 housing, might be the Read More »
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The Ark-Tex Council of Government does business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law (The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988). It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin in the sale or rental of housing or residential lots; in advertising the sale or rental of housing; in the financing of housing; in the provision of real estate brokerage services; in the appraisal of housing; and blockbusting is also illegal. Anyone who feels he or she has been discriminated against may file a complaint of housing discrimination: 1-800-669-9777 (Toll Free), 1-800-927-9275 (TTY), or online at www.hud.gov/fairhousing.
