How to Apply For Section 8 Housing
Section 8 Housing is a Federal housing program that provides assistance to low-income renters and homeowners. This assistance comes in the form of vouchers that help reduce monthly housing payments. To qualify for Section 8 your household's income must fall below 50 percent of the median income of the surrounding metro area or county --- if the median income is $46,000, your household's total yearly income must be less than $23,000. Because this number varies from state to state, applying for Section 8 requires getting in touch with the correct local office.
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Instructions
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Call or visit your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). These offices are overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You can search for the nearest PHA office using HUD's website. Some offices have dedicated websites of their own, but in many cases you will have to call the number listed for further instructions or to make an appointment to start the application process.
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Figure out your monthly income before applying. The amount of assistance you receive will be based on your total income. The voucher will pay anything above 30 percent of your adjusted monthly income up to a certain limit. So, if you make $1,500 per month, you will be expected to put 30 percent of that, or $450, towards your rent. The voucher will then cover any amount over that up to a certain limit, meaning if your family requires an apartment that costs $800 per month, you will pay $450 and HUD will pay $350.
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Understand that not every apartment or real estate agency will accept Section 8 assistance. You must shop around and find a housing plan that will allow it. If you're already in a place that you like and are looking to apply a voucher to your rent, talk to your landlord or real estate broker about their policies.
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Tips & Warnings
Some PHA's have very long waiting lists and assistance is then awarded based on need. For example, families that are homeless or living in substandard buildings may be bumped to the top of the list above families in less dire straits.
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