How to Get Section 8 Low Income Housing in Philadelphia

Local housing authorities, such as Philadelphia's, administer HUD's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, formerly known as Section 8. As of 2010, Philadelphia's HCV program is closed. When the Philadelphia Housing Authority starts taking HCV wait-list applications again, it will notify prospective applicants through the media and its website. While you wait for this day, you can prepare yourself to follow the low-income housing program's application protocol.

Instructions

1. Contact the Philadelphia Housing Authority when it reopens the HCV program wait list. Ensure that you meet HCV eligibility requirements. The Philadelphia Housing Authority gives preference to qualifying families over other individuals. For example, you top its preference list if you are part of a family consisting of two or more related persons. Disabled and displaced individuals also receive preference.

2. Provide Social Security numbers for all household members 6 and older. All U.S. citizens must sign a declaration of citizenship. According to HUD's website, you can still qualify for the HCV program if you are not a citizen; you must hold an "eligible immigration status," such as resident alien.

3. Compare your income against HCV program limits in Philadelphia. As of 2010, a family of four cannot earn more than $23,500, which is half of Philadelphia's median income. The Philadelphia Housing Authority notes that it distributes 75 percent of its HCV assistance to households at or below 30 percent of the city's median income. The Philadelphia Housing Authority also sets aside vouchers for the homeless and "low-income working families."

4. Get on the HCV program's wait list if the Philadelphia Housing Authority confirms that you are eligible. When your name comes up on the list, you can search for landlords with vacancies who accept HCV renters. The Philadelphia Housing Authority can provide you with a list of available rentals. Alternatively, you can scour traditional rental advertisements for HCV listings.

5. View openings of interest. Landlords who accept HCV tenants can screen them just as they would a traditional renter. You might be required to pay a security deposit. HUD requires that you sign a one-year lease with your landlord if the housing authority approves his property.

6. Pay your portion of the rent directly to your landlord each month. Generally, your share of the rent equals 30 percent of your monthly income. If the rent for the unit you choose exceeds HUD's payment standards for Philadelphia, you can still live there; however, you cannot put more than 40 percent of your income toward the cost of housing.

References

• Philadelphia Housing Authority: Housing Choice FAQ's
• Philadelphia Housing Authority: Admissions
• HUD: Housing Choice Voucher Fact Sheet

Resources

• Philadelphia Housing Authority: Contact Us