RoxanneThis quick crash course will get you up to speed so you can apply for a Housing Choice Voucher today.
If you’ve never received rental assistance before, the thought of figuring out what Section 8 is and how to apply for it may be intimidating. There’s no need to fear, though, as we’ll do our best to make it as simple as possible, so you know how housing vouchers work and what to do to get them.
What’s the Purpose of a Housing Choice Voucher?
Have you ever used a coupon in the grocery store to make an item cheaper? You probably have.
The coupon paid a portion of the item’s price, and once applied at the register, you had to pay the rest to make that item yours.
A Housing Choice Voucher works similarly. The government uses a coupon (the voucher), gives it directly to your landlord each month, and whatever is leftover in rent is your responsibility.
What does this do? It makes rent more affordable so you can pay your bills each month and keep a roof over your family’s head.
What’s Needed to Get a Voucher?
Unfortunately, a housing voucher differs from coupons you find in your local newspaper in one significant way: Not everyone can get one.
Vouchers are based on need. The government came up with the Housing Choice Voucher Program to help people making minimal income, or those who are elderly or disabled.
Eligibility for Section 8 vouchers is determined during the application process where different factors are considered, such as your household’s income, citizenship, and size.
Your local public housing agency (PHA) will use these bits of data to see if you qualify. Competition for vouchers is fierce since so many low-income households need help. Three out of four vouchers per PHA will go to families making under 30 percent of the area median income.
Where Can You Live With a Voucher?
Should you be selected for Section 8, you will have to find a property that accepts payment from the program. The property will also have to meet Section 8 standards to ensure it’s safe.
There’s a belief that a voucher limits you to living in specific subsidized project housing. That’s not true, as you can pick from a variety of housing options, such as apartments, single-family homes, and townhouses. Provided they participate in Section 8 and meet the program’s requirements, you can move in with your voucher.
How Do You Get Started?
Since your PHA will handle your housing voucher application, the best place to get started is with them. You can find your PHA by going here.
Don’t wait too long to begin the application process. Getting a Section 8 voucher can make a huge difference in your monthly budget, and, as mentioned, the competition is fierce.
Some waiting lists can be quite long, so the quicker you contact your PHA and begin, the better off you’ll be.
