How to Apply for a Section 8 Housing Voucher
The Section 8 housing voucher program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Low-income families and elderly people can receive a housing voucher that can be used toward finding clean, safe and affordable housing. Locally, the voucher program is administered by the public housing authority (PHA). PHAs determine if a family meets the eligibility requirements and issues the vouchers. Due to the high number of applicants to the program, as of October 2010, there is a waiting list. The length of time you may spend on the waiting list can range from a few months to several years.
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Instructions
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Gather your personal information. Personal information needed to apply for a Section 8 housing voucher includes your state-issued picture identification, Social Security card and birth certificate. You also need to provide this information for every member of your household.
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Gather your income information. In order to qualify for a Section 8 housing voucher you must meet income requirements. You need to provide copies of your W-2 forms, tax returns or paycheck stubs with your voucher application. You also need statements documenting the value of resources such as checking and savings accounts.
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Check with your local public housing authority by phone to determine if applications are currently being accepted for Section 8. Applications are only accepted at certain times of the year. The application acceptance period varies around the country.
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Request an application from the public housing authority. You can request that the application be mailed to you. You can also pick up an application at your local Public Housing Authority office if you desire.
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Fill out the application. Do not skip any section of the application. Provide an explanation either on the application or on a separate paper for any missing sections. Failure to complete the application in its entirety may result in a delay in your approval.
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Mail the application to the address provided on the form. Be sure to include copies of your personal and income information with the application. After your application is processed, your family will be placed on a waiting list.
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Attend a briefing session regarding the program requirements. Once you reach the top of the waiting list, you will be notified by mail of a briefing session that you must attend. During the session, you will be provided with requirements for Section 8 and your voucher.
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Tips & Warnings
Depending on your area, the public housing authority may post a notice in the local newspaper when Section 8 applications are being accepted.
After submitting your application for Section 8 by mail, call the public housing authority to ensure the application was received.
If you move while you are on the waiting list, send a written letter with your new address to the public housing authority immediately. During your time on the waiting list, updates are mailed out to determine where applicants are still interested in receiving assistance.
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