How to Obtain a Section 8 Voucher in New Jersey
The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers Section 8 assistance, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher program, to renters who earn considerably less than their area's median income. A Section 8 subsidy permits low-income households to find housing in the private rental market, yet not spend more than 30 to 40 percent of their income on rent and utilities. The process for securing a voucher in New Jersey is the same as doing so in other states.
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Instructions
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Contact the public housing agency that covers your area. Search the database of PHAs at HUD's website to find yours. In most New Jersey cities, local housing authorities are the appropriate agencies to get in touch with.
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Ask your PHA if a waiting list exists for their Section 8 program. In many New Jersey cities, demand for Section 8 vouchers outstrips supply by a wide margin. In fact, as of October, 2010, waiting lists are closed in many places, including Newark and Atlantic City.
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Complete a pre-application with your PHA. It will evaluate your eligibility prior to placing you on its waiting list or, if there is no wait, offering you a Section 8 voucher. To be eligible for Section 8 assistance, your combined household income cannot exceed 50 percent of your area's median income. The exact cutoff figure varies by location and household size. In Newark, for instance, this equals $35,200 for a two-person household. In the Atlantic City-Hammonton metropolitan area, that number drops to $27,700.
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Notify your PHA of any changes to your income or family composition while you are on the waiting list. When your name comes up for a voucher, your PHA will reevaluate your application to ensure you are still eligible.
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Tips & Warnings
While the general cutoff for Section 8 eligibility is 50 percent of median income, HUD requires PHAs to supply three-quarters of their vouchers to families at or below 30 percent of their area's median income.
The federal government considers lying on your Section 8 application an act of fraud. If you misrepresent family size or income or use phony documents, you could face sanctions. According to the Newark Housing Authority, possible penalties include termination of Section 8 benefits, ineligibility for all federally subsidized housing programs, federal prison time and a fine.
