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 IncomeThe 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.
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.