How to Apply for a Section 8 Voucher
Section 8 is a type of housing assistance program offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program is meant to provide affordable housing to low-income families. If you qualify, you will be issued a Section 8 rental voucher and must find a landlord that accepts payment through this government program. The rental property that you select must fall into the department's determination of fair-market rent.
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Instructions
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Prepare to bring the financial data that housing officials will need to determine your eligibility for a Section 8 voucher. Officials will need copies of your tax returns, pay stubs and bank statements. You will also need to provide your Social Security number so that housing officials can run a credit check.
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To apply for a Section 8 voucher, visit your local public housing agency. To locate your representative, type your state information on the Housing and Urban Development website, HUD.gov. You can find the office locator link by selecting "Program Offices" from the HUD.gov homepage and choosing the "Public and Indian Housing" link. On this page, you'll find a section called, "Public Housing Agency Contact Information." Type your state, and a list of local offices will appear.
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Fill out the paperwork provided to you by the public housing agent. In addition to financial records, include all dependents in your household. Give the dependents' dates of birth and Social Security numbers. If you receive any other state or federal benefits, disclose them. List taxable income as well as income that is not taxed, such as child support payments or alimony. List dates of employment and contact information for your employers.
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Wait for the public housing agency to verify your information. This office will call your employer and bank to verify the financial data you have provided. Once your eligibility has been determined, you will be placed on a waiting list. When your name comes up, the agent will contact you and issue your Section 8 voucher.
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Tips & Warnings
To speed your application, double check that all of the information you provide is correct, especially the contact details for your employers. If the public housing agent has a difficult time verifying your data, it could cause a delay in processing. Once approved, you will look for a rental unit that falls into the department's categorization of fair-market rent. However, if you find a unit that costs more than this figure, you can still rent the property and pay the difference to the landlord out of your own pocket.
