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Section 8 Application Guide | Sec8Housing.org

Section 8 Application

Introduction to the Section 8 Application

The Section 8 application is the document you must fill out if you want to apply for program benefits. Regardless of where you live, your local government has an available U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office you can go to for support. Your community’s public housing agency (PHA) is responsible for processing your HUD Section 8 housing application. These authorities are also in charge of distributing funds to enrollees.

Before you can apply for benefits, it is important that you know how to find open Section 8 applications. This program operates with limited funds that can only be distributed to high-need applicants. Therefore, you need to be sure your city or jurisdiction is in the Section 8 accepting applications process before you apply. Once you confirm this information, you can begin the process of filling out your Section 8 voucher application.

Where to Get a Section 8 Application

You need to get your HUD Section 8 application so you can submit your information to be considered for benefits. Since PHAs oversee their own jurisdictions, your local agency may have its own procedures you need to follow to obtain your application. Regardless of where you live, though, you should contact your PHA to obtain a copy of your Section 8 housing application form. These facilities usually have copies of these documents on-hand at the office.

Questions Asked on the Section 8 Housing Application

When you fill out a Section 8 application, you need to provide specific information. Enrollment eligibility is based on various factors. Therefore, the questions you are asked on your housing authority Section 8 application are designed to help program officials determine if you qualify. As a result, you should be prepared to answer questions that relate to the following topics:

  • Identification for you and your household members
  • Income and asset verification
  • Citizenship and immigration status
  • History of evictions

Where to Submit Your Section 8 Application

Regardless of where you live, you should be able to submit a copy of your PHA’s Section 8 housing application at the agency. Your office may also maintain a website that provides these forms online. If this option is available in your community, you may be able to access a printable Section 8 application form from its site.

In some instances, you may also be able to submit a Section 8 application online. This is a convenient option if you do not have transportation to the agency where you would otherwise need to apply. It is also easy to fill out a Section 8 application online for free if you are moving to a new city or state. Before you submit your housing application online, make sure you understand whether this is the only step you must complete. In some states, filing this application digitally only serves as a preliminary step. Depending on where you live, you may also need to go to the PHA once it receives your application to continue the submission process in person.

Make sure you understand how to file your Section 8 housing voucher application online. Furthermore, be sure to communicate with your local PHA to determine if you have any additional steps to complete.

How much does the Section 8 application form cost to submit?

It is free to submit your affordable housing Section 8 application. If you are applying for this program through an official PHA, you will not be charged a fee.

How can I check my Section 8 application status?

Once you apply for Section 8, you may be placed on your community’s waitlist. This means that you need to wait until funds are available so you can begin renting through this program. During this time, you can complete a Section 8 application status check. Generally, you can review your position on the waitlist by calling your PHA or checking online.