RoxanneDo you consider yourself a patient person? If you’re applying for a Section 8 housing voucher, hopefully, the answer is yes. Why? Because contrary to popular belief, Section 8 isn’t emergency rental assistance that you can get right away. Instead, you may be waiting a year or longer to get your voucher, and such a wait requires a ton of patience.
Why is the wait for Section 8 so long? First, it’s worth noting that the wait will depend on your location, so your mileage may vary. But as for why it’s so long, you can blame it on the combination of limited funds and high demand.
The government simply doesn’t have enough in its budget to give vouchers to every single family that needs them. This limited supply combined with a massive demand means that even though you may get approved for Section 8, it could be a while before you get to reap its money-saving and stability-providing rewards.
Of course, before you can begin your wait, you’ll have to get on a list. And that’s what the following can help you do:
Contact your nearest Public Housing Agency (PHA).
Your PHA will be your primary contact throughout the Section 8 application process and beyond. You should contact the PHA located near where you plan on living, which may differ from your current location. To kickstart the Section 8 application process, go here to find your nearest PHA.
Make sure you have an email account.
It may seem like a silly suggestion or reminder, but without an email account, you won’t be able to apply for Section 8. Create your via Gmail or another service for free, if needed.
Make sure you have a mailing address.
Beyond email, you’ll also need a dependable mailing address to receive correspondence from the PHA. If you’re always on the move, use a friend or family member’s address. Missing an important notice from the PHA could lengthen your wait time or make you lose your spot altogether.
Don’t pay to apply.
Applying for Section 8 is free. Don’t pay anyone to apply for your Housing Choice Voucher. And when you get on a waitlist, don’t pay to move up on it, as that’s a no-no and a telltale sign of a scam.
Apply to several waitlists.
Pick multiple locations where you could see yourself living. By applying to more than one waitlist, you may be able to get your voucher quicker. After one year of living in your first Section 8 rental, you can move and bring your voucher along for the ride.
Get housing alerts.
Waitlists tend to open and close due to demand. Ask your PHA if they have a notification or alert system that can tell you when a waitlist opens so you can apply quickly and get a good spot in line.
Ask your doctor for help.
If someone in your household has health issues or a disability, a note from your doctor could lead the PHA to reduce your wait time once you get on their list.
