How to Update My Section 8 Application
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers program to subsidize the private market rents of low-income families. The program uses several criteria, primarily income and household size, to restrict program access and determine the amount of the subsidy. If you are in the Section 8 program, it is imperative that you report any changes that impact your standing.
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Instructions
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Contact the public housing agency (PHA) that administers the Section 8 program in your area. This is most often the same entity that issued you your Section 8 voucher in the first place. If you cannot locate your agency's contact information, you can search for it at HUD's website.
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Notify your PHA of any key changes to your household or financial situation that may impact your program status. If you are unsure about a change, call your PHA and ask whether they need to know about it. For instance, as the Code of Federal Regulations indicates, you must let your PHA know if a family member moves out of your unit. As your household size changes, so does your income eligibility for Section 8 assistance.
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Bring requested documents to your PHA office. For example, if your income increases or decreases, your PHA will likely want to see proof in the form of a letter from your employer, a paycheck stub or another financial document. Follow your PHA's instructions in this regard.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't report changes in your status, such as income increases, to your PHA, you might be committing Section 8 fraud. Your PHA has the right to revoke your assistance for an infraction. The federal government can prosecute you for Section 8 fraud. Potential penalties include fines of up to $10,000 and a maximum of five years in prison.
