What is Section 8?
The Section 8 program is a government run housing program that provides affordable living choices for very low-income households. This assistance comes in the form of rental subsidies, limiting the monthly rent payment of the assistance recipient. This works by allowing families to find their own private housing instead of living in government run rental housing.
Families who participate in the program must abide by a series of rules and regulations, often referred to as "family obligations," in order to maintain their voucher, including accurately reporting to the PHA all changes in household income and/or family composition so the amount of their subsidy (and the applicable rental unit size limitation) can be updated accordingly. In recent years, the HUD Office of the Inspector General has spent more time and money on fraud detection and prevention.
How much will I pay?
The public housing authority (PHA) generally pays the landlord the difference between 30 percent of household income and the PHA-determined payment standard (about 80 to 100 percent of the fair market rent) Your rent payment is based on your income. The voucher will pay anything above 30% of your adjusted monthly income up to an established limit. For example, if you earn $1,500 per month and the home you want rents for $800 per month, you would pay $450 and the voucher would cover the difference of $350 as long as the Fair Market Rent for your area is equal to or greater than $800. The PHA will pay the landlord the remainder of the rent over the agreed upon tenant's portion, subject to the FMR cap. The household may choose a unit with a higher rent than the FMR and pay the landlord the difference or choose a lower cost unit and keep the difference.
Am I eligible?
To qualify for Section 8 you must be a low-income person (below 50% of the Area Median Income) and be able to provide proof of income. To determine what the income limits are in your area check with your local Public Housing Authority.
How do I apply?
Section 8 is a Federal program administered nationally by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, the program is administered locally by public housing authorities or other designated agencies and organizations. If you are interested in applying for a voucher, contact the PHA. For further assistance, please contact the HUD office nearest to you.
How long does it take to get a voucher?
It varies by area. Some areas of the country are busier than others. You may be able to move in to your new home immediately be wait-listed for years. In fact, many housing authorities frequently close their waiting lists and stop accepting applications because the waiting lists are so long. To find out about wait times in your area call your local public housing authority.
What is my responsibility?
When a family selects a housing unit, and the PHA approves the unit and lease, the family signs a lease with the landlord for at least one year. The tenant may be required to pay a security deposit to the landlord. After the first year the landlord may initiate a new lease or allow the family to remain in the unit on a month-to-month lease.
When the family is settled in a new home, the family is expected to comply with the lease and the program requirements, pay its share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition and notify the PHA of any changes in income or family composition.
Additional Information
For additional information about the voucher program, contact either the local PHA serving your community or the Office of Public Housing within your local HUD office. There may be a long wait for assistance under the housing voucher program. If the PHA also administers the public housing program,applicants for the housing choice voucher program may also ask to be placed on the waiting list for the public housing program. HUD also administers other subsidized programs and you may obtain a list of programs in your area from the Office of Housing at your local HUD office.
Leave a Reply