Section 8 Housing

Section 8 housing is also known as housing choice program. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development commonly referred to as HUD runs the program. The primary aim is to help low-income families that struggle with rent payments. Section 8 vouchers subsidize the rent amount allowing them to pay less than the initial payment. The chosen families end up using only 30% of their incomes in paying the rent while the rest is covered using the voucher. This is a helpful initiative that has enabled most families to access other daily necessities. Do you want to apply for the Section 8 housing? What are the requirements?

These are the primary factors that will be used to determine your eligibility in North Carolina:

  1. Income

This is a primary determinant because the program is aimed at helping low-income families. The eligibility cut in North Carolina is 30% of the median income. The median income falls between $72000 and $72800. Therefore, it will be 30% of any of the figures within the range.  They use different approaches to determine the vouchers amount.

  1. Criminal background

Every member of the family is checked for any criminal record. Sexual offense and drug charges are commonly checked. Your family will not have access to section 8 if there is a record. Other criminal charges are addressed case by case.

  1. Citizenship

The applicant should be a US citizen or naturalized alien resident to access the program’s benefit. This requirement is only checked for one of the family members often the applicant.

  1. Eviction history requirement

The agency will check if you have been evicted because of a drug-related crime in the last three years. They will also check for any conviction for methamphetamine production in an assisted housing project.

The Application Process and Other Requirements:

  1. Find your local public housing agency. It has jurisdiction of assigning the voucher programs as overseen by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
  2. Check for eligibility based on the qualification points discussed above. You can also enquire from your public housing agency based on your income and family size for guidance.
  3. Obtain an application for the section 8 housing voucher program once you have approved your eligibility.
  4. Follow up on the waiting list status. Once the applications have been processed then sorting out takes place. Eligible applicants are placed on a waiting list. This implies that you might be given an opportunity or not depending on the demand or lottery selection. An eligible applicant can apply for an informal review upon rejection.
  5. Find a qualified house according to the housing 8 standards upon acceptance. A physical inspection by the agency is among the requirements. You will then only pay 30% of the stipulated rent while the agency will send the remaining portion to the landlord directly.

It is important to learn and understand the program before applying to avoid any frustrations. Ensure you have all the documents they request. A first-hand research and consultation before the application will make the process easy for you.

Are you eligable for Section 8 housing and are seeking a home to rent? Check out what Schwarz Properties has available to lease.