The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8 housing, is a program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program offers rent assistance to qualified low-income renters, giving them the ability to rent properties at a reasonable rate. This program is administered by state-run Public Housing Authorities, or PHAs, at the local level, even though it is federally funded. Housing Choice Vouchers are used by over 5 million people across the United States.
Eligibility for Section 8 Housing in Houston
Texas requirements for the Housing Choice Voucher Program are based on an annual gross income limit, family size, and citizenship. Roughly 75% of the vouchers go to households with incomes 30% below the average median income for the area, and your income must be below 50% to qualify. Your exact income limit will vary depending on the median income of where you live. The number of people in your household will also affect your limit. You, or at least one person in your household, must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing
You can apply for Section 8 housing in person at your local PHA office or Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs office. You’ll find that applying in person is quite helpful as the staff at your local PHA office will answer your questions and guide you through the application process. There are a large number of documents to provide, and any mistakes, missing documentation, or forgotten signatures could result in a rejected application. Once you’ve completed and turned in the application, the PHA will determine whether your household is eligible.
Houston Waiting Lists
If the demand for vouchers is greater than the supply, you may be put on a waiting list. Each PHA is different, so your waiting list may be short, long, open, or closed based on your specific area. You can check on the status of your waiting list through the HUD website or your local PHA office. It’s not unusual for applicants to wait years before making it to the top of the list. Preference is given to households with extremely low income; households with disabled, elderly, or very young members; and households with urgent needs like homelessness or substandard living conditions.
Section 8 Vouchers
When you reach the top of the waiting list, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher packet in the mail which you will need to complete and return by the deadline. Once your packet is reviewed, you will receive a letter with the date of your voucher briefing appointment. During this appointment you’ll complete the rest of your documentation, submit to a background check, and learn how to best utilize your voucher. The subsidy amount of your voucher will be directly paid to your landlord and you will pay any difference between rent and the subsidy amount.
How To Find Section 8 Rentals in Houston
Texas allows renters to find their own rental properties and most listings will clearly state whether or not they accept Section 8 housing vouchers. There are several ways to start looking for a rental unit. You can use Zumper, ask your local PHA for a list of units, or use the HUD Resource Locator online.
Learning about how the Housing Choice Voucher Program works and starting the application process can be intimidating if you don’t know where to begin. Hopefully we’ve provided you with enough information to feel confident about calling your local PHA office to start the application process. For more resources, please visit the HUD Housing Website for Texas.
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