Section 8 Housing Voucher: Must-Know Strategies and Information for Qualification Success

Are you looking for housing assistance? Great news! It's available through the Section 8 program.

To find out if you qualify for a Section 8 Housing Voucher, the first step is as easy as contacting your local housing authority. The housing authority will be able to tell you whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements, and if so, they will help you through the application process. They'll also vet you according to the outlined guidelines. If they approve your application, you get a voucher to cover the cost of the rent.

In this process, however, you must provide the following information:


1. Where You Want to Live

You must first identify the area or neighborhood where you would like to live. The housing authority will then determine whether there are any available units in that area. They'll also identify if the voucher caters to the chosen unit.

2. Your Household Income

The housing authority will use your household income to determine whether you qualify for a voucher.

Your household income must be below a certain level. The standard is different for each housing authority, but it's generally between 50% and 80% of the median income for the area. For example, if the median income in your area is $50,000, a household income of $25,000 or less would generally qualify for a voucher.

3. Your Family Size

You will likely need a larger apartment or home if your family is large, and the voucher may cover more of the rent. It's advisable to provide the correct number of people in your household from the start, as this number can be difficult to change later.

4. Your Family's Immigration Status

Only U.S. citizens and specific categories of legal immigrants are eligible for the voucher program. For this reason, you must produce proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status when you apply for housing assistance. Many people fail in this stage because they don't have the proper documentation to show they qualify. If you're unsure if you have the correct papers, contact an immigration lawyer or an organization like the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for help.

5. Your Household's Criminal Record

You should know that a criminal record, whether a felony or a misdemeanor, will likely disqualify you from receiving a voucher. Applying for a section 8 housing voucher with a questionable criminal record wastes time and application fees.
 

Things To Do While You're On The Section 8 Housing Voucher Waitlist

After the application process and approval for a voucher, your name appears on a waitlist. When your name reaches the top of the list, the PHA will start the next steps in the process and someone will contact you. In the meantime, it will help to follow these tips for a smooth waiting process:
 

A. Ensure You Have an Email Account

You will need an email account to receive updates about your position on the waitlist. Check your email regularly so you don't miss any vital information. The best advice is to activate notifications when new emails arrive in your inbox.

B. Keep Your Contact Information Up To Date

Make sure the PHA has your most current contact information, including your phone number and email address. This is so they can reach you when it's your turn to move on to the next step of the application process. 

C. Update Your Preferences

You can log into your online account to update your preferences. This is to let the PHA know if you want to move to a different unit or apartment. If you plan to move to a unit away from the same development or complex, you must submit a new application and appear on a waiting list for that particular unit.

D. Sign Up For Alerts

Most housing authorities offer email or text alert systems that let voucher holders know when units become available. It's a great way to find out about units you never knew. Use the USSD Code provided by the authority to find out about available units, sign up for alerts, and update your preferences.

E. Check the Website Regularly

Housing authorities have a website where they list available units. You can check the website of the housing authority to see the areas where you want to live and check the waitlist for those locations.

F. Apply for Numerous Waitlists

Most people don't know about the secret of applying to many different housing authorities. Doing this increases your chances of obtaining a housing voucher.

Lastly, a few safety reminders: The only way to know whether you qualify for a voucher is to apply and go through the screening process. If you are unsure about your eligibility, contacting the housing authority is always the best way to double-check. Beware of scammers who may try to charge you for getting on a waitlist or for the guarantee that you will receive a voucher. These services are free, and no one can guarantee you will get a voucher.