How To Apply For Section 8 Housing Assistance – Eligibility & Application

Housing is expensive for people with low incomes.  Section 8 low income housing assistance programs help low-income individuals find housing that they can afford.  Low-income individuals are given vouchers through Section 8 to help pay for a lease.  This allows an individual to pick from any home that participates in Section 8.  Section 8 helps cover around 70% of utility and rent expenses.

How To Qualify?

The Public Housing Authority (PHA) considers 4 factors when determining if an individual is eligible for Section 8 assistance.  They are:

1. Family size
2. Income
3. Citizenship status/ Legal immigrant Status
4. Previous evictions

How To Apply?

1. Locate your local Public Housing Agency – Your first step will be to find your local Public Housing Agency office.  All you have to do is a google search with your zip code to find your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
2. Eligibility – The Public Housing Agency office will help determine if you qualify for Section 8 assistance.
3. Find an application – Applications for housing voucher programs can be found at the local office or you can find it online.
4. Fill Out and submit the application – You must fill out the application.  Some questions on the application include name, date of birth, income and social security number.  Make sure to follow all instructions when filling out the form.
5. Waiting list status – Once the application is processed, you can expect to either be rejected or be placed on a waiting list.  If you are rejected the public housing association will provide you a reason as to why your application was rejected.
6. Waiting list placement – The down side of the waiting list is that it can take years to get off of the list. Because funds are limited, it can take a few months to process an application.  Once an application is processed, waiting list placement will be sent out via mail or it can be verified online.
7. Vouchers – Once you receive your voucher, you can start looking for qualified housing.  Individuals will have to find housing that meet section 8 requirements.  Normally, individuals will be responsible for 30% of the rent and the rest is taken care of through vouchers.  When an individual finds housing, the rent from Section 8 goes straight to the landlord.

With this seven step process, you now know how to apply for Section 8 housing.  Now you can start your application process!