Applying for Section 8 Housing Vouchers (and Using Them)

Section 8 housing vouchers are available from the U.S. Housing Authority for low-income families who need assistance with paying their rent. These vouchers are not accepted by all property management companies, and often come with restrictions, but it can be a lifesaver if you don’t know how else to come up with housing payments.

In order to be approved for a section 8 housing voucher, you will need to be able to prove your income level and your identity. Generally speaking, you will be able to apply if you have your driver license or state I.D. card and at least three recent pay stubs from your employer. The Housing Authority might also require other documents, such as W-2 forms and bank statements, to further verify your income.

You’ll need to set up an appointment with your local Housing Authority, and it’s a good idea to have your application filled out and ready to be processed. Ask in advance if you will need to bring any other documents, such as your marriage or birth certificate, to prove who you are. In most cases, you will need to apply jointly with your spouse if you are married.

At your appointment, you will likely be asked a slew of questions related to your application for section 8 housing vouchers. These questions might include your employment history, your credit history and any other government assistance you might be receiving at the time of your application. You will also be asked if you have ever served in the military, which could expedite your application.

The most important thing to remember when applying for section 8 housing vouchers is to be completely honest about your income. They will verify whatever you say by talking with a third party – such as an employer – so it does no good to lie. In fact, if you misrepresent your income, you could wind up with no benefits at all, and a black mark against your name for all future applications.

After you’ve filed your application, prepare yourself for quite a wait. Responses can take weeks – sometimes even months – to arrive, so don’t plan on moving into your new place until you receive word that you’ve been accepted. You can check on the status of your section 8 application by calling the housing authority, but don’t expect your vouchers to arrive right away.

If you are approved, you can begin looking for new housing. In some cases, you will be restricted by a specific geographical area – most likely the jurisdiction in which you applied for section 8 housing vouchers. Check with apartment complexes and private Realtors to find out who accepts these vouchers, as they are not accepted everywhere. Low-income housing projects are a great place to start.

Many people find it humiliating to pay for their rent with section 8 housing vouchers, but consider the welfare of your family. They will allow you to save money from your job, which will give you a valuable savings cushion. Often, Americans use these vouchers for 6 to 12 months, then find that they have been given sufficient time to get on their feet.