How to Qualify for Section 8 in Los Angeles County

The Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) provides housing assistance to low-income families and single individuals in Los Angeles County. HACoLA also provides assistance in 62 cities outside of the Los Angeles County area. Currently, HACoLA operates as the second largest Housing Authority agency in Southern California, assisting over 21,000 families. Section 8 determines rent amount based on recipient income. Section 8 recipients pay between 30 to 40 percent of the monthly income received by all household members.

Instructions

1. Qualify as a family within one of four HACoLA categories. Elderly families must have at least one member age 62 or older. Disabled families must have at least one disabled person in the household. A group consists of two more individuals related by blood, law, marriage or another legally significant relationship in a household that does not qualify as an elderly or disabled household. The housing authority determines the validity of each group that does not qualify as elderly or disabled. Single individuals must live alone or plan to live alone.

2. Meet citizenship and immigrant qualifications. Eligible immigrants must provide a valid Resident Alien Card, Alien Registration Receipt Card or Arrival-Departure Record. The HACoLA also accepts Temporary Resident Cards, Employment Authorization Cards or a USCIS-issue receipt. Birth certificates, social security numbers and California-issued identification is required for all members age six and older. At least one applicant must be a U.S. citizen or eligible resident. HACoLA may provide prorated assistance to households with eligible and ineligible members.

3. Satisfy gross income requirements. Gross income must fall below 50 percent of the Area Median Income or AMI in Los Angeles County. At least 75 percent of newly-approved applicants must fall below 30 percent of the AMI. The Department of Housing and Urban Development figures AMI annually. The HACoLA may skip qualified applicants to achieve the required percentage. HACoLA places these applicants on a waiting list until funding becomes available.

4. Provide requested documentation. Eligible family members receive an application packet via mail once they reach the top of the waiting list. Submit all documentation when requested by the HACoLA. Household members over the age of 18 must consent to the release of criminal history by signing a Criminal Background Consent form. The HACoLA conducts credit checks to verify income, employment and other information listed on the application. HACoLA verifies social security benefits, unemployment and wages through the Enterprise Income Verification database. The housing authority checks public assistance benefits through the California Department of Social Services.

References

• Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles: Section 8 Program
• Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles: How Much Rent Will I Pay?
• Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles: Section 8 Program Eligibility Requirements
• Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles: When does HACoLA check credit reports?