Monthly Utility Allowance and Payments

Housing Choice Voucher Utility Allowances

PHA uses a utility allowance schedule to help determine the amount of rent a family pays under the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. The allowance reflects typical utility costs for energy-conservative households in our region and is based on unit size, type, and current utility rates.

Utility allowances are calculated using the lower of:

• The utility allowance for the voucher bedroom size, or

• The utility allowance for the actual unit size rented

For example, if you have a two-bedroom voucher but rent a three-bedroom unit, your utility allowance will be based on the two-bedroom voucher size. If you rent a one-bedroom unit, the allowance will reflect the one-bedroom size.

PHA’s utility allowance schedule includes three unit type schedules, each covering 0–8 bedrooms:

• High-rise and low-rise apartments, including inner-row rowhomes

• Semi-detached homes and duplexes

• Detached single-family homes

The current utility allowance schedule was established in 2023. Under PHA’s Moving to Work (MTW) waiver, we are not required to update this schedule annually. However, PHA may review and adjust the schedule periodically based on local consumption patterns and utility rates.

This schedule also applies to Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and Moderate Rehabilitation (Mod Rehab) programs.   Current Utility Allowance schedules are effective October 1, 2023 and are available for download below.

Utility Allowance Schedule

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Utility Allowance Payments

• Effective October 1, 2015, all utility allowance payments will be issued on a Visa® prepaid debit card, the U.S. Bank ReliaCard®. PHA will no longer be issuing paper checks.
• The ReliaCard Prepaid Debit Card Program is only for families who receive a monthly UAP. If your family qualifies for a monthly UAP, PHA will enroll you automatically to receive a Prepaid Debit Card by mail. All UAP payments will be loaded onto your debit card without exception.
• Make purchases, get cash, pay bills everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted:
  • Payments automatically loaded to your card
  • Make purchases, get cash, pay bills everywhere Visa debit is accepted
  • Protected if lost or stolen

• Payments will be issued on the first of each month. There will be certain months where the first of that month falls on a weekend and/or holiday, on those dates, funds will be deposited into your account on the following business day.
• When you receive your card, please follow the activation instructions. After your card is active, you may set up your online account on the cardholder website, www.usbankreliacard.com. Through the cardholder website you will be able to view your balance, transaction history, set up online bill payments, sign up for alerts2 and more.
• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact 215-684-4300 or you can HCV through the HCV Client Cust Portal Login with any inquiries.
• A cardholder agreement, activation instructions, usage guide and fee schedule will be included with your new card. For more information about the new card, please visit www.usbankreliacard.com.

Disclaimer

You are generally protected from all liability for unauthorized transactions with Zero Liability. You must call the number on the back of your Card immediately to report any unauthorized use. Certain conditions and limitation may apply. See your Cardholder Agreement for details.

For text messages, standard messaging charges apply through your mobile carrier and message frequency depends on account settings.

The ReliaCard® is issued by U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. ©2025 U.S. Bank. Member FDIC.