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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for public housing?Application forms are available on the JCHA website or can be picked up at the Central Office located at 400 U.S. Highway #1 (Marion Gardens) as well as all Jersey City Housing Authority developments. Forms will also be mailed to applicants in response to requests made by mail (Attention: Applicant Selection) or telephone by calling (201) 547-6670 or 8990 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. All forms must be returned to the Central Office. Applicants are asked to call us approximately five (5) days after mailing the completed application to verify its arrival in the Applicant Selection Office. Back to Top
How many public housing developments does the JCHA have?The Jersey City Housing Authority currently owns 12 developments throughout Jersey City. Of these developments, two are designated as elderly/disabled developments (Berry Gardens and Thomas J. Stewart Apartments), and ten are designated as family developments. Back to Top
Can anyone apply for public housing?Anyone can apply for public housing with the Jersey City Housing Authority. However, placement on the waiting list is subject to a review of the application for completeness and other eligibility criteria. Back to Top
Who is ineligible for placement on the waiting list(s)?The JCHA computerized records will be checked to determine if an applicant is indebted to any subsidized housing program. If negative information is received, the applicant may not apply until the debt is paid. Applicants who appear to exceed the maximum income limits established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are also ineligible. Ineligible applicants will be notified by mail and advised of his/her right, upon his/her request within a reasonable time, to an Informal Review on the determination in order to present additional information that should be considered. Back to Top
How will I know that I am eligible for placement on the waiting list(s)?Each applicant determined to be prospectively eligible will be notified in writing by the JCHA within approximately sixty (60) days of receipt of the application. This is called a Receipt Letter, which should be safeguarded and referred to when making telephone inquiries about the status of your application. Back to Top
Can I choose the development I would like to live in?Current policy allows any applicant to apply for any JCHA family site. Qualified households may also apply for the elderly designated developments. Back to Top
Are there special considerations for a person with disabilities?During the application process, A JCHA employee will assist all applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation in completing an application. A reasonable accommodation might be in the form of reading and explaining material normally handed to an applicant to be read or filled out. Or, applicants may furnish an interpreter who can explain the application process. A Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) is also available by calling (201) 547-8989. During the assignment process, there are assignment policies and procedures relative to persons with disabilities. Back to Top
How long must I wait before I am notified that my application for public housing will be processed?The time it takes to address your application depends on qualifying preference, priority status, date of application, bedroom size required and the availability of units. While it is difficult to determine exactly how long you will have to wait, click here to view the average waiting period. Back to Top
What is the application intake process?Shortly after your application is received, it will be entered into the JCHA’s computerized wait list system. Approximately three months thereafter, you will be mailed a Receipt Letter which you must retain for future reference. You should call us if you have not been mailed a Receipt Letter within this timeframe. Your position on the waiting list will be based on the Date of Application, Preference Category and required Bedroom Size. Back to Top
How long can I expect to wait before I am contacted for an interview?Due to the overwhelming number of applicants on the waiting list, and the low vacancy turnover rate, we can only estimate the time you can expect to wait before you are contacted. However, you can expect an increased waiting period for smaller developments such as Hudson and Holland Gardens. waiting period. Back to Top
It seems I will have to wait a long time before the JCHA addresses my application for public housing. Is there anything I should do during this period?You must call us every year to inform us of your continued interest in public housing and to update and report any changes in address, family size, and other information as required. Back to Top
What happens if I choose not to contact the JCHA on a yearly basis to inform them of my continued interest in public housing?f you do not contact us on a yearly basis, you risk having your application withdrawn from the waiting list. During the waiting period, in an effort to update information in our computerized files, Applicant Update Forms are mailed to every applicant on the waiting list. If you do not return the update form in the allotted time, or if the update form is returned because you have failed to notify the JCHA of an address change, the application will be withdrawn from the waiting list and you will have to reapply. In addition, when policy changes occur, the JCHA will mail you a notice detailing the changes. Changes in policy may have an impact on your application for public housing and may require a response. Failure to respond to any request made by the JCHA will cause your application to be withdrawn. Back to Top
If I am unable to, can I have someone else call to check on the status of my application?Due to our Confidentiality Policy, the JCHA will only release information to a person or persons authorized by the applicant. You may provide the name(s) of authorized persons by calling us at (201) 547-6670 or 8990. Back to Top
Will I have to attend a personal interview in order to be accepted for public housing?When a prospective offer of placement is made, you will be mailed a notice advising you to contact the JCHA to schedule an appointment to determine if you meet the JCHA's eligibility criteria. A letter with the schedule appointment date and a list of items you must bring with you will follow. Once eligibility is confirmed, the JCHA will ascertain qualifying preference. Back to Top
Does the JCHA conduct background checks?The JCHA will conduct appropriate background checks to determine if you and, if applicable, your family, will be likely to comply with the terms of the lease. This is called "Suitability" for public housing. To assist in determining your suitability, the JCHA will conduct various background checks, including reviewing your past rental history and conducting a criminal records check. If you qualify and pass the JCHA's eligibility and suitability criteria, and "qualify with a preference", a meeting will be scheduled with the Site Manager and members of an Applicant Screening Committee. Back to Top
How long after the screening process can I expect an offer of placement?The amount of time you may have to wait depends on the number of eligible applicants with earlier dates of application who are also waiting to be placed, and the number of reported vacancies. Our goal is to house an applicant within six months. Back to Top
Copyright © 2001 Jersey City Housing Authority. All rights reserved.
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