How to Apply for Section 8 in Indiana

"Section 8" is the term used by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for subsidized rental housing for lower-income individuals and families. Under the Section 8 system in Indiana, if you have a low enough income and meet certain requirements, you may receive rental assistance.Section 8 requires that you pay up to 30 percent of your income as rent, regardless of the cost of the apartment or home you are renting. Section 8 can be used in most neighborhoods; you are not restricted to a government housing development. There are many agencies in Indiana that can help people who are seeking Section 8 assistance, and to receive a voucher for Section 8 rental assistance in Indiana, you need to learn how to apply for Section 8 in that state.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proof of income (paystubs, tax returns)

1. Collect proof of income forms. Section 8 eligibility in Indiana relies on three different income levels: 30 percent of median income, "very low income," and "low income." The amount of rental assistance you will receive depends on which level your household income falls into. If your household income falls into one of these three levels, go to Step 2. If your income is too high, you do not qualify for Section 8 housing.

2. Visit your local Public Housing Agency in Indiana to apply for Section 8 rental assistance. Bring proof of income and two forms of identification. For instance, if you live in Greensburg, you would apply at the Greensburg Housing Authority office in Greensburg, Indiana. If you live in Indianapolis, you would go to the Indianapolis office. Refer to the Resources section to find the nearest Public Housing Agency.

3. Take your Section 8 voucher, once you have been approved, and search for available apartments and house rentals that accept Section 8 vouchers. If you have a specific town you want to live in, near your job or your child's school, be careful to select that town when doing your search.

4. Contact the landlord for any rental properties you wish to visit and consider. Landlords who accept Section 8 must be approved through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and must follow HUD guidelines for Section 8 housing.

5. Determine your rent. The local Public Housing Agency will calculate your annual or monthly income, and you will be charged anywhere from $0 per month up to 30 percent of your monthly income depending on such factors as your income, disability status, and/or age. Once your rent has been determined by the agency, you must pay this amount on time or possibly lose your Section 8 voucher. The federal government pays the landlord the difference between the fair market value of the rent and the rent you pay.

6. Confirm your voucher. You must return to the Public Housing Agency with a signed lease from a Section 8-approved landlord for the Section 8 application and approval process to be complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask people at the Public Housing Agency about good and not-so-good landlords. Landlords who do not respond quickly to problems can be difficult to deal with, and cause serious problems.
• Section 8 landlords cannot discriminate against renters on the basis or race, religion, ethnicity, language or against families with children. If you believe you have been discriminated against while searching for Section 8 housing, contact the Fair Housing Office in Indiana to file a complaint.

Resources

• Housing and Urban Development Rental Help in Indiana
• Public Housing Agencies in Indiana
• Search for Section 8 apartments in Indiana
• Income limits to verify Section 8 eligibility
• How Your Rent is Determined