FYI Housing Voucher Questions
Plain answers about eligibility, cost and contacting a housing office.
What Is an FYI Housing Voucher?
Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) is a HUD program. A voucher helps pay rent so you can have a safe place to live. Child welfare agencies can ask HUD for a voucher “on demand” instead of you waiting years on a regular voucher list.
Who Qualifies for an FYI Voucher?
Young adults ages 18–24 who have left foster care, or are about to, and have been homeless or at risk of homelessness at any point after age 16.
Does an FYI Voucher Cover All of My Rent?
No. A voucher helps cover rent, and you may still be responsible for part of it. There is no cost to ask about a voucher.
How Long Does FYI Help Last?
FYI assistance generally lasts up to 36 months. Qualifying youth may receive an extension of up to 24 months.
How Do I Get an FYI Voucher?
Your child welfare agency must refer you. If you are still in care, tell your caseworker or independent living worker that you want an FYI voucher. If you have already left care, contact the housing office that serves your address and ask who handles FYI youth referrals.
How Do I Find My Local Housing Office?
Enter your ZIP code in the housing office finder. Offices that serve your area appear closest first, each with a website, email or phone number you can tap. You don’t need to know your county.
What Should I Say When I Contact a Housing Office?
Say you are a current or former foster youth asking about an FYI voucher, and say so if you have been homeless or at risk of homelessness after age 16. Ask who handles FYI or FUP youth referrals and whether you can reach them by email or online. Call before visiting.
What If the Office Says It Has No FYI Vouchers?
Ask whether it can request an FYI voucher from HUD for you, and ask about FUP youth vouchers too. You should not be turned away just for asking.
What Is the Difference Between FYI and FUP?
The Family Unification Program (FUP) is a related HUD voucher. It has a separate youth pathway as well as a family pathway. Ask the housing office about both.
What If I Can’t Reach Anyone?
Call HUD’s free help line. Someone there can look up the housing agency that serves your address, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.
CALL (800) 955-2232Do I Need an Account or to Share Personal Information Here?
No. You can use this site without an account. The housing or child welfare agency will handle any eligibility documents directly.
Source: NCHCW’s Accessing Housing guide. Voucher availability varies by area.