How to Get on the Section 8 Housing List

Section 8 provides funding for housing.

The federal government's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program assists low-income, elderly and disabled individuals who need help paying their rent. Thirty percent of the recipient’s income is allotted for rent payments. If the recipient does not have any income, the full amount is subsidized through the program. Although, the government funds the Section 8 program, most counties have long waiting lists. Therefore, in some cases, it may take years to get a voucher.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of identity
• Proof of citizenship
• Proof of income
• Pen
• Phone

Instructions

1. Determine if you are eligible to receive Section 8 housing assistance before you submit an application. In general, the family's income cannot be more than 50 percent of the median income for the county. Each county has its own income limits. Contact the housing authority in your county to verify the local income limits. In addition, the head of household must be a U.S citizen or qualify for immigration status.

2. Contact the housing authority in your area and request to put your name on the Section 8 waiting list. You must complete an application as well as provide proof of income, identity and citizenship. If you do not know the contact information for the public housing authority in your area, contact HUD at 1-800-955-2232 to request a listing. Or visit the HUD website to download the listing.

3. Complete the application using blue or black ink. Mail it back to the public housing authority. Some housing authorities may request that you complete the application in person. If this is the case, bring to the housing authority the original copies of birth certificates, Social Security cards, and check stubs for everyone who will be occupying the unit. Give the copies to the intake representative. Once you submit your application, a letter confirming your spot on the Section 8 waiting list is mailed to you. The arrival time depends on the location of the office and the amount of applicants. Retain this letter, as it contains the contact information for you to check the status of your application.

References

• Ohmyapartmentrating.com: Section 8 Requirements
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Housing Choice Voucher Fact Sheet

Resources

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Contact Information