Low-income people frequently have difficulty finding affordable homes on their own. This is usually where the government enters the picture for help. Housing choice vouchers are one option made available by the government through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Section 8 is another common name for this program. The program’s benefits are not available to everyone, though. Because of this, this article will explain what the program is, how it might be helpful, and what the requirements are to qualify.
Understanding the Housing Choice Voucher Program
To have a better idea of what it means to benefit from this option, you should first understand what it can offer. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds the Housing Choice Voucher Program. However, local public housing authorities (PHAs) are in charge of running it. To operate the program, PHAs are the ones who get federal funding from HUD.
This housing support program’s objective is to provide eligible families with a place to live that is inexpensive, adequate, sanitary, and safe. The best thing about this housing option is that it is available on the private market–it is not just limited to government-owned buildings. Apartments, townhouses, and single family homes are a few of the various property types that people can take advantage of through this program.
What You Should Know About the Housing Choice Voucher Program
It is crucial to keep in mind that not all places will take these vouchers as payment. For them to be eligible, they must accept the vouchers. They also have to meet the local PHA’s standards, which include an inspection. Qualifying families that can get vouchers and find a suitable property will be able to move in. On behalf of the participating family, their local PHA will make a direct payment to the landlord in the amount of the voucher. Then, the family will be responsible for paying any remaining difference.
Additionally, it is crucial to remember that some things may vary from one state to another. This means that depending on the area, the specific criteria, rules, etc. around the program will change. However, some local PHAs give qualified families the option of using vouchers to purchase a modest home. Since this is a popular program, it is common for accepted applicants to be added to a waitlist before receiving assistance.
Am I Eligible?
This program can be a terrific option for you if you are struggling with housing bills and want some assistance. Once more, local regulations will differ in detail. But in general, to be eligible for housing vouchers, you must meet the following four basic requirements:
- Income Level
- Family Status
- Citizenship Status
- Eviction History
Income Level
People must stay within certain income limits that HUD sets every year. The income limits are determined using a percentage of the area’s median income (AMI) all over the country. Because of this, it will vary depending on where you are. Low income is divided into three levels including:
- Extremely Low Income: This category includes those who earn less than 30% of the AMI.
- Very Low Income: Individuals who earn 50% of the AMI fall into this category.
- Moderately Low Income: This category includes those who earn 80% of the AMI.
The income requirement will take into account not just your location but also the size of your family. A family of four making $25,000 a year is not the same as a single person making the same amount. Check out the online query tool that HUD provides if you want to see what it would look like in your area. People can use this tool to see what the income limits are in their locality.
Family Status
Applicants must confirm that they fit the HUD definition of a family. Applicants must be either an individual or in a group that meets any of the following requirements:
- Having kids.
- Have at least one family member with a disability.
- Have at least one relative who is 62 years of age or older.
- Were evicted from their house for a valid reason.
- Lives alone after other Section 8 recipients moved out.
It is crucial to remember that single people can still apply for Section 8 benefits. They are still eligible even if they do not have kids.
Citizenship Status
This program is only available for people who are American citizens or who have eligible immigration statuses. When completing your Section 8 application, it is crucial to be honest and accurate. You might need to provide more supporting paperwork in addition to signing a certification form that confirms your citizenship. These additional documents could be:
- Resident Alien cards
- Registration cards
- Social Security cards
- United States passport
Fortunately, households can qualify even if some members of their family do not have the required citizenship status. However, the number of eligible family members in the household will be the only factor used to determine how many benefits the program can offer.
Eviction History
Eviction history is last but certainly not least on the list of essential eligibility criteria. That is because recipients normally need to have a history of successful rentals. Those with poor rental histories might not be accepted. This includes applicants who have previously been evicted due to a drug-related violation or another type of criminal behavior. In addition to your eviction history, your background will be a significant eligibility factor. For instance, if an applicant has been found guilty of making methamphetamine in a government housing project, they may be rejected.
How to Apply for Housing Choice Vouchers?
The best way to start your application process is by getting in touch with your local PHA. If you are having trouble contacting them, you can also contact a nearby HUD Field Office for more support. You should be aware that the particular application process will differ based on where you apply. In other words, the specific application process, the required documentation, and other details will vary depending on the area.
You will have to wait for a response after you apply. If accepted, you will likely be added to a waitlist until it is your turn to get assistance. That is because there is an imbalance between supply and demand. Local PHAs may, however, have preferences that prioritize families with the greatest need. It is important to notice that each PHA is free to choose which families to serve first. That is because it depends on what that particular community needs. Family preferences could include:
- Struggling with homelessness
- Living in substandard housing
- Paying more than 50% of their income toward rent
- Are involuntarily displaced
How Much Can Families Receive?
There is no specific amount of assistance that people get. Instead, the local PHA sets a payment standard. The payment standard is the average amount required to rent a reasonably priced home in the neighborhood’s private housing market. A family’s eligibility for housing aid is determined using this guideline. Keep in mind that the payment standard has no impact on or restriction on the amount of rent that a landlord may request or that a family may pay.
A family has the option to select a housing unit with a rent that is either above or below the payment criteria that the local PHA established. Even so, by law, a family can not spend more than 40% of its adjusted monthly income on rent if it chooses to move into a new property with a rent that is higher than the payment standard. Fortunately, the majority pay 30% because that matches what the HUD defines as affordable housing.
Simply explained, the amount of the voucher depends on how much housing assistance is allowed according to the local PHA’s calculations. The payment standard or 30% of the family’s monthly adjusted income, whichever is less, is typically the maximum amount (or the gross rent for the unit minus 30 percent of monthly adjusted income).
Bottom Line
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a good option for those who need housing assistance. Qualifying families can apply for housing choice vouchers through this program. It is crucial to remember that not all families are eligible. In addition, each area will have different standards for qualifying. Local PHAs will typically take four important factors into account which are income level, family status, citizenship status, and eviction history.
Contact your local PHA if you have any questions, need additional details, or want to start the application process. You can also contact the HUD Field Office that is most convenient for you if you need any more help.