How to Apply for a Housing Voucher

Section 8 Rental Vouchers help low-income families find safe, private rental housing. Applications are available through the local Housing Authority.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look up your city's Housing Authority in the government pages of the phone book. If it's not there, look under your county's name.

2. Call and make an appointment. Ask what documents and identification you will need to bring.

3. Order any vital documents you lack (birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, social security cards etc.).

4. Go to your appointment and get a Section 8 Voucher application.

5. Return the application promptly.

6. Prepare for a long wait. You may be put on a waiting list.

7. If you are approved, you can then find a place to rent. If it meets Section 8 standards, the Housing Authority will pay your landlord a portion of the rental payments.

Tips & Warnings

• Realize that there is a standard formula by which your application is judged. If you do not meet the income requirements, you will not be approved.
• Welfare-to-work vouchers are available for families in the work place.
• Current vouchers (as opposed to certificates) allow you to look outside your Housing Authority's boundaries for housing. Ask your Housing Authority for details.