What the Union City Housing Authority does

The Union City Housing Authority (UCHA) is a public agency that manages public housing units and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program in Union City, New Jersey. It does not set income limits or determine who gets housing — that is done by federal law and local policy — but it runs the waiting lists, processes paperwork, and manages the properties and vouchers themselves.

UCHA operates under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That means the programs it runs follow federal rules about income, family size, and how much tenants pay. But UCHA itself decides how it processes applications, how long its waiting lists are, and which neighborhoods its vouchers can be used in.

If you live in Union City and need public housing or a voucher, UCHA is the only place to explore. There is no other local agency that does this work.

Key Takeaways

  • UCHA runs two separate programs: public housing (units it owns) and Housing Choice Vouchers (rent subsidies you use with a private landlord).
  • Both programs have waiting lists that are usually closed; you can call UCHA to ask when applications reopen.
  • Income limits are set by HUD based on area median income, and they vary by family size.
  • UCHA's main office is located in Union City, and you must explore in person or by mail — there is no online process portal.
  • Once you are on a waiting list, UCHA contacts you when a unit or voucher becomes available; you do not need to reapply.

Public housing versus Housing Choice Vouchers

UCHA manages two different kinds of housing information. Public housing means UCHA owns the building and you rent directly from them. Housing Choice Vouchers (also called Section 8) mean UCHA gives you a voucher that covers part of your rent, and you find your own apartment with a private landlord who agrees to accept the voucher.

Public housing is usually cheaper — you pay 30 percent of your income as rent, no matter what the market rent is. With a voucher, you also pay 30 percent of your income, but the voucher covers the rest up to a limit set by HUD. If the apartment costs more than the voucher limit, you pay the difference out of pocket.

Public housing has fewer units available in Union City. Vouchers are more common, but the waiting list is longer and moves slower. Both programs have waiting lists that close when they get too long. UCHA reopens them periodically, usually once or twice a year, but there is no set schedule.

Income limits and who can explore

HUD sets income limits based on the area median income for Union City and Hudson County. The limit depends on your family size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. These limits change every year, usually in April.

You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. You must not have been evicted for non-payment in the past three years, and you cannot have a criminal record involving drug manufacturing or distribution. Other criminal history is reviewed case by case.

You do not have to live in Union City already to explore. You do not have to be employed. You do not have to be homeless. UCHA accepts applications from anyone whose income is below the limit and who meets the other requirements.

how the process works and what documents you need

Applications are not available online. You must go to UCHA's office in person or request an process by mail. Call UCHA at their main number to ask whether the waiting list is currently open and to request an process if it is closed but you want to be notified when it reopens.

When you explore, bring or mail proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity (driver's license or passport), and proof of residency or intent to live in Union City. If you are explore for a voucher, you will also need to show that you have looked for an apartment or have a landlord willing to accept the voucher.

UCHA will verify your income with your employer and the IRS. The process usually takes four to eight weeks. You will be notified by mail whether you have been placed on the waiting list.

Waiting lists and how long they take

Once you are on the waiting list, UCHA contacts you when a unit or voucher is available. You do not reapply or check in — UCHA keeps your process active. If you move or your phone number changes, you must notify UCHA in writing so they can reach you.

How long you wait depends on the program. Public housing waiting lists in Union City are typically one to three years. Voucher waiting lists are usually longer — two to five years or more — because demand is high and HUD does not fund enough vouchers to meet it.

If UCHA calls you and you are not ready to move or accept a voucher, you can ask to stay on the list. But if you refuse an offer without good reason, UCHA may remove you. Ask what their policy is when you explore.

What happens after you are offered housing or a voucher

If you are offered public housing, UCHA will show you the unit and tell you the rent amount (30 percent of your income). You sign a lease with UCHA. You pay rent to UCHA each month. UCHA handles maintenance and repairs.

If you are offered a voucher, you have a set amount of time — usually 60 days — to find an apartment. The landlord must agree to accept the voucher and pass a UCHA inspection. Once the lease is signed, UCHA pays the landlord directly each month. You pay your share (30 percent of your income) to the landlord. You are responsible for finding the apartment; UCHA does not find one for you.

In both cases, your rent can increase if your income increases. UCHA recertifies your income every year. If your income goes down, your rent goes down.

How to contact UCHA and get more information

The Union City Housing Authority office is located in Union City, New Jersey. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about waiting list status, request an process, or ask questions about your current process or lease.

UCHA does not have an online portal for applications or account management. All communication is by phone, mail, or in person. If you are on the waiting list and UCHA needs to reach you, they will call or send a letter. Keep your contact information current with them.

If you have a complaint about UCHA or believe you have been treated unfairly, you can file a grievance with UCHA directly. HUD also has an office that handles complaints about public housing agencies. Ask UCHA for their grievance procedure when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must have may be able to access immigration status. That includes U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and some refugees and asylees. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access. Bring your immigration documents when you explore so UCHA can verify your status.

What if I have a criminal record?

UCHA will not accept anyone convicted of manufacturing or distributing drugs. Other criminal history is reviewed individually. Disclose your record when you explore — UCHA will run a background check anyway, and lying on the process can disqualify you.

Can I use a voucher outside of Union City?

UCHA vouchers can usually be used in Union City and some neighboring areas, depending on UCHA's portability rules. Ask UCHA what towns are included before you accept a voucher. If you want to move to a different area, you may be able to transfer your voucher to that area's housing authority, but it is not automatic.

What if the waiting list is closed?

Call UCHA and ask when they expect to reopen applications. Some people ask to be notified when the list reopens; UCHA may keep a separate notification list. Check back every few months or ask to be added to a notification list if one exists.

Do I have to pay an process fee?

No. UCHA does not charge a fee to explore for public housing or a voucher. If someone asks you for money to explore, it is a scam.