Applying for Section 8 Housing - Top 4 Questions

Where does someone turn when faced with eviction or worse, homelessness? The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a housing choice voucher program, section 8. This program serves as a way to assist extremely low income families, elderly individuals, and the disabled find housing alternatives.

Section 8 housing, apartments, and townhouses are options under the program. There is a four step process to secure section 8 housing assistance. Applicants need to understand the process, determine eligibility, apply, and understanding the functionality.

Question #1: What is the process?

The process in acquiring section 8 housing involves determining the applicant eligibility. Once an applicant is eligible, the application process begins. Notification will then be sent out whether the application was approved or denied. Finally, the applicant will begin a search for their new residence.

Question #2: Who is eligible?

The two factors which determine eligibility are annual gross income and family size. The program is also limited to United States citizens. For example, a family's income cannot exceed the median income of the county in which they reside by 50%. The public housing authority is bound by law to provide vouchers to 75% of applicants whose income is in the lower 30% of the income of residence.

Once eligibility for section 8 housing is determined, applicants are placed on waiting lists. The purpose of waiting lists is due to demand being higher than supply.

Question #3: Application process

The first step in applying for section 8 housing is to contact the local public housing authority (PHA) or the local Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office. The PHA will then set up the waiting lists for the particular properties. In extreme cases of demand verses supply inadequacies, waiting list may be closed.

Local residents take precedence over non-locals and thus could be moved down the eligibility list for section 8 housing.

Question #4: How do vouchers work?

Once eligibility has been determined and the application process is complete, the home search begins. The search for section 8 housing is the sole responsibility of the applicants and neither the PHA nor HUD.

The families being assisted pay 30% of their income to cover rent and utilities. According to the law, the maximum amount payable is 40% of the applicant's gross income.

Moving into section 8 housing is a process and patience should be present. The process is not an overnight occurrence. Other factors in securing section 8 housing are the applicant's role and responsibilities, the landlords, as well as the local HUD office.