How To Apply For Section 8 Housing Program

What is the Section 8 Housing Program?

Also known as housing choice vouchers, Section 8 Housing Program is a nationwide program aimed to assist low-income households by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rent. The program is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provides financial support to eligible individuals who meet certain criteria.

Who can apply for it?

Eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing program applicants vary based on several factors, such as location, family size, and income level. However, here are 7 general guidelines that may apply to all applicants:

Income Level - The program is intended to assist low-income households. The income limit varies based on area of residence, but typically falls within 30-80% of the area's median income. A family's total gross income must not exceed this limit.

Family Status - your household must meet the definition HUD uses for "family", in other words, your family must consist of any of the following 6 characteristics.

1. At least one member over age 62
2. At least one member with a documented disability
3. A household of multiple members, with or without children
4. A household displaced from its current place - by natural disaster, other physical damage, or government action
5. A tenant remaining in a housing unit after all others have moved out, and the household previously received Section 8 assistance
6. A single person living alone who meets none of the above criteria

Disabilities - Households with a disabled member may be prioritized if you present appropriate medical evidence and documentation of the disability, as well as the proof of your received Social Security disability compensation.

Citizen/Legal Residency - To be eligible, applicants must either be U.S. citizens or legal residents. Non-citizens must provide proof of eligibility under HUD regulations.

Criminal Record - Applicants must have a clean criminal history. Certain crimes may result in automatic disqualification.

Eviction History - The Section 8 housing choice voucher program wants to ensure that you'll agree to abide by the strict tenant rules and regulations. Applicants must not have been evicted from public housing, had rental assistance terminated for drug or violent criminal activity, or have any outstanding debts with any housing authorities.

Can college students qualify for Section 8?

College students aren't generally considered as applicants for Section 8 housing assistance payments unless you qualify any of the following exceptions:

1. a full-time student age 24 or older
2. a full-time college student who is married
3. a full-time professional graduate student
4. a full-time college student who was an orphan or ward of the court until age 18
5. a full-time college student who is an emancipated minor
6. a full-time college student who is a U.S. veteran or currently on active duty
7. a full-time college student with a dependent child or other dependents
8. a full-time college student with a disability and was receiving housing assistance payments as of Nov. 30, 2005
9. part of a household that otherwise is income-eligible for Section 8 rental assistance

Where to apply?

If you meet the criteria of the applicants, you can kick off the application process for a Section 8 housing choice voucher by contacting your local Public Housing Authority. You can find your nearest PHAs here.

You should note that there are situations where the number of applicants for 10,000 positions can exceed 100,000. In such cases, it may take 3 to 6 years to enroll in Section 8 while waiting.

However, you may apply with several different PHAs to increase the chances of being approved, all at the same time, on condition that their Section 8 waiting lists are open and they accept housing assistance applications.

How to apply for Section 8 Housing?

Contact the local housing authority: fill out a preliminary application.( a documentation that helps the PHA determine your initial eligibility for the HCV program. Once your PHA has evaluated your pre-application, you may be asked to fill out a full application to keep you moving through the process.)

Fill in the full application: including income details, dependent information, financial information, contact information, previous arrests, prior evictions, estimated expenses, self-check. If eligibility criteria are met and there are housing units available, you may be placed on the waiting list.

Attend an in-person interview: to verify information and determine eligibility. During the interview, applicants may be asked to provide information on income, household size, and rental history.

Receive the Voucher: If applicants are deemed eligible, they will be issued a voucher that they can use to search for a rental unit. The voucher is valid for a certain period after issuance, so it's important to begin the search immediately.

Find a Rental Unit: Applicants can search for a rental unit that meets the program requirements. The unit must have reasonable rent and meet housing quality standards. If applicants find a rental unit that meets these requirements, they must have the landlord complete a form indicating their willingness to participate in the program.

Inspection and Lease Signing: Once a rental unit is identified and determined eligible, the PHA will conduct an inspection to ensure it meets HUD's housing quality standards. If the inspection is successful, the PHA will sign a lease with the landlord and provide rental assistance to the tenant. The tenant is responsible for paying their portion of the rent.

Reasons your application was denied

Income: One of the main eligibility criteria for the program is based on income. If the applicant's total gross income exceeds the threshold for their area, they may be denied assistance.

Criminal History: Applicants with certain criminal convictions, such as drug distribution or violent crimes, may be disqualified from the program.

False Information: Providing false information or omitting important details on an application can lead to disqualification from the program.

Poor Credit: Applicants with poor credit history may be denied assistance, as they may pose a risk to landlords.

Poor Rental History: A poor rental history, including eviction or failure to pay rent, could lead to disqualification from the program.

Illegal drug and alcohol use: Applicants who have had legal action taken against them due to illegal drug or alcohol use may be disqualified from the program.

What if my income goes up?

So if your annual income changes, let your local housing authority know as soon as possible. your calculated rent amount may need to be adjusted based on your new income level.

You should note that if your annual income increases to 30% of your income will allow you to pay the full market value of your rent without assistance, you will be asked to exit the Section 8 housing choice program.