How to Apply Online for Section 8 Assistance

If you are looking to apply for Section 8 assistance, the easiest way to accomplish this would be to go online and apply. While there are many cities that offer the option to apply for Section 8 housing via their website, there are some that do not, but may at least offer the application online for you to print and mail in. Whether you are able to apply online or only able to print the application to mail in to the city that you are applying to, having the access Section 8 information on the internet gives you the ability to get on the waiting list for multiple cities without having to visit each individual office.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Access to the internet
• Your personal and family information
• Printer
• Stamps
• Envelopes
• Access to a post office mailbox

1. The fastest way to begin your applications is to find out whether your chosen cities allow you to apply for Section 8 directly from their website. If you do not have this information, that is fine; you will just have to visit each individual site to see if it is offered. If you do not know the exact web address of the city that you are applying to, you may do a search online by typing in that city’s name (City of Tempe AZ, for example). All city websites will end in .gov.

2. Once you have found the city’s website, look for department options such as “Housing” or “Family Services” or “Family Assistance.” If you searched directly for their Section 8 or housing information, read the information pertaining to the program if you are not familiar with it and locate their application or forms information. If the city is not currently accepting applications, this information will not be available and in bold letters. The page will tell you what their current application status is (for example, "Section 8 wait list is closed").

3. If the city is still currently accepting applications and forms are available online, fill the application out completely and truthfully, and submit it as requested. For cities that do not accept application submissions online, you will have to print out the form, fill it in and mail it to the address that they have provided either on the form or on the website.

4. For all of the applications that you have to mail in, be sure that you are mailing it to the proper address so that there is no delay in its delivery. Because of the sensitive information contained in the applications, it is advisable that you drop them off at your local post office. If this is not possible, than make sure it is securely dropped into a USPS mail box for pickup.

5. Once you have completed all of your online applications, you will not have to do anything further unless something in your household changes such as the amount of family members or your income. Most Section 8 sites will allow you to make these types of changes via an online form as well. If you had to print and mail your application, you may receive a letter in the mail confirming the receipt of your application.

Tips & Warnings

• Although your qualifications may differ if you do not work or reside in a particular city, it is still a good idea to apply in multiple locations in the event that you are accepted in one city faster than another. In most cases, after 12 months you can transfer your voucher to a different city.
• Be sure to update your information promptly with any housing department that you have applied to. If you move and they mail a letter to you, they can remove you off of their list if you do not reply. Income updates are important, as it makes a difference in where you end up on the waiting list.

[Alisiane]

on 10/6/2008 It's about time the government stepped into modern times and let people do things like this online. It saves having to confront those infamously long lines at government offices, and just makes more sense. Thanks for sharing the availability of this!