The section 8 housing program provides assistance to low-income families and individuals who are seeking affordable housing options. Section 8 housing details can be a bit tricky, however, because there are many programs that fall under this umbrella term. To apply to the section 8 housing program, you will need to look at whether your area has local public housing authorities or if it participates in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (often referred to as the Section 8 program). If either of these applies to you, then you can use this guide to learn more about applying for section 8 housing and how it can benefit you and your family.
Section 8 Application Process
Section 8 housing programs are administered by local public housing authorities. You can find your local public housing authority (PHAs) by looking in your area or calling HUD at 800-955-2232. If you choose to apply with a PHA, you must be willing to relocate if necessary; each PHAs has its own local preferences for determining who gets placed on its waiting list for Section 8 vouchers. Once you’re accepted on a PHA’s waiting list, it will be added as one of your choices when applying through most other sources of assistance. As a rule, you can only apply with one PHA per time period. That time period varies from state to state but is usually at least six months between applications.
The Section 8 Waiting List
There are approximately two million households on HUD’s Section 8 voucher waiting list. The waiting period is typically around 3-5 years, but that can vary by state. You can apply for a section 8 voucher on your own by filling out an application, but you will have better luck if you work with a local housing authority or local community action agency. Those groups are working directly with HUD and often have more information about programs in your area, including when local openings become available. It’s also important to note that anyone who applies for section 8 has their name put on a national database used by landlords. That means many landlords will not rent to someone who has applied for section 8; even if they don’t end up receiving it.
Is Section 8 Right For Me?
First off, let’s talk about who can be approved for Section 8. To qualify, you must fall into one of three groups: (1) those whose income falls below certain thresholds based on family size; (2) those receiving certain types of disability benefits; or (3) those facing extenuating circumstances such as unemployment or domestic violence. Depending on your situation, you may have more than one avenue available for qualifying for Section 8 housing. And that’s a good thing because even if you’re in just one of these groups, there are stringent requirements that come with participating in government-assisted housing programs.
Section 8 Eligibility Requirements
There are many section 8 eligibility requirements. If you want to apply for it, there are a few things you need to qualify for. Let’s take a look at those section 8 housing details. First, your household must have an income that is less than 50% of the median income in your area. Income is calculated by adding your gross monthly income with any other individual who will be living in the home or apartment with you (this includes anyone else over 18 that will be living there). For example, if gross monthly income is $10,000 a month before taxes and other deductions, then total household gross monthly income would need to be less than $5,000 per month or $60,000 annually.
Section 8 Subsidized Housing Costs
Section 8 subsidized housing may cost tenants much less than they would pay in rent without subsidy. Section 8 subsidized housing is often set up with a rent payment of no more than 30% of household income. For example, if a household’s gross monthly income is $1,500 per month, their rent might be capped at $450 per month ($1,500/30%). This means tenants can keep their costs low by making lower-than-market payments for housing. The actual amount paid is based on household size, composition, location, and local area median income (AMI). If a tenant’s income increases, so do his or her portion of rent paid through an increase in total rental payments; however, tenants do not owe money above their original initial payment.