How to Apply for a Housing Voucher

By eHow Personal Finance Editor

Rate: (6 Ratings)

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

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1
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.
Step2
Call and make an appointment. Ask what documents and identification you will need to bring.
Step3
Order any vital documents you lack (birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, social security cards etc.).
Step4
Go to your appointment and get a Section 8 Voucher application.
Step5
Return the application promptly.
Step6
Prepare for a long wait. You may be put on a waiting list.
Step7
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.

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eHow Article:  How to Apply for a Housing Voucher

eHow Personal Finance Editor

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