The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds the Section 8 housing program, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Rent assistance is offered to qualified low-income renters and gives them the ability to rent apartments and homes at a reasonable rate. Although this is a federal program, it is managed by locally-run Public Housing Authorities, or PHAs, in each state. Across the United States over 5 million people use Section 8 vouchers.
Eligibility for Section 8 Housing in Seattle
To begin, your application must meet the income guideline requirements: Household income and size, citizenship status, and a background and credit check. Your household income cannot exceed 50% of the area median income, and preference is given to households that don’t exceed 30%. Washington state offers many exceptions for temporary residents like farm workers, allows some criminal convictions with proof of treatment programs, and approves specific categories of non-citizens. If you have doubts about qualifying, check with your local PHA.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing
At this time, you must apply for Section 8 housing in person at your local PHA office. This is good because you’ll want the guidance of a local PHA staff member to help you through the application and documentation process. Not all PHAs have the same applications and processes, so it may benefit you to apply to more than one. You can expect to provide information such as pay stubs, child support paperwork, bank statements, other government benefits, and tax returns. You will also likely need to provide copies of birth certificates and proof of citizenship for all the members of your household.
Seattle Section 8 Waiting Lists
Different PHAs will have different waiting lists, so again, it benefits you to apply to more than one. Some PHAs require a referral code before getting on the wait list, some have open wait lists with project-based properties, and other wait lists open only for a limited time or use a lottery system.
While the wait lists for each PHA vary depending on the area, you should expect that it will take two to three years to reach the top of the list. Preference is often given to households with members who are disabled, elderly, or young, as well as households who are homeless or living in substandard conditions. Your local PHA can tell you the current preferences.
Section 8 Vouchers
Once you’ve reach the top of the waiting list, you will need to schedule your briefing appointment where you turn in all your verification paperwork. When you’ve been approved through the verification process, you’ll receive your housing voucher. The voucher will directly pay your housing subsidy amount to your new landlord. You will then be responsible for paying the difference between the rent and the subsidy amounts.
How To Find Section 8 Rentals in Seattle
Unlike some states, Washington allows renters to choose their own subsidized rental properties. You can use Zumper to start looking. You can also use the HUD Resource Locator online or ask your local PHA for a list of units. Subsidized properties undergo health and safety inspections before they are advertised. Usually rental listings will clearly state whether or not they accept Section 8 housing vouchers.
If you don’t know where to start, the process of getting and using a Section 8 housing voucher can seem daunting. We hope we’ve helped you to feel comfortable with the process and provided you with enough information to get started. For more resources, please visit the HUD Housing Website for Washington.
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