Michael Hagerty/Houston Public Media

The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) is considering imposing work requirements and time limits on about 19,000 low-income households receiving federal Housing Choice Vouchers.

Kenneth Coles, the authority's senior vice president for voucher operations, told Houston Public Media that potential changes are "in the infancy in discussions," and any program update won't happen for at least a year.

According to Coles, the rationale centers on decreasing the amount of money the housing authority pays for each household. Recipients typically allocate 30% to 40% of their annual income toward rent, while vouchers make up the difference.

"If we add work requirements, that would reduce the subsidy amount and increase the tenant portion. ... That means we c

See Full Page