Housing Choice Voucher Program
Section 8
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that helps low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market. It provides rental subsidies to eligible tenants, who can choose any housing that meets the program’s requirements, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.
Key aspects of Section 8:
How It Works:
- Voucher: Eligible applicants receive a housing voucher.
- Tenant Choice: Voucher holders find their own housing in the private market, where the landlord agrees to accept the voucher.
- Rent Payment: The tenant pays a portion of the rent (typically no more than 40% of their adjusted monthly income), and the Public Housing Agency (PHA) pays the rest directly to the landlord.
- Housing Quality Standards (HQS): The chosen housing must meet HUD’s standards for safety and sanitation.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Income: Household income must be below a certain percentage of the median income for the area. Income limits vary by location and household size.
- Family Status: The program is available to families (as defined by HUD, which can include single persons), the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
- Citizenship/Immigration Status: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or non-citizens with an eligible immigration status.
- Social Security Number: The head of household needs a valid Social Security number.
- Criminal History: Certain criminal convictions may disqualify an applicant.
- Rental History: A history of eviction or poor rental behavior may affect eligibility.
Income Guidelines:
The income guidelines to qualify for Section 8 in southern Iowa depend on the specific county and the number of people in your household. This is because the income limits are set by HUD based on the median income for each area. These limits are updated annually and can vary between different locations.
Generally, to be eligible for Section 8, your household income must be below a certain percentage of the median income for the county you wish to live in.
There are often different tiers:
-Low Income: Typically at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
-Very Low Income: Typically at or below 50% of the AMI.
-Extremely Low Income: Typically at or below 30% of the AMI.
While the general rule is that your income must be below 50% of the median income for the area to qualify, preference is often given to those with extremely low and very low incomes.
Who to Contact
Apply for Section 8 Assistance
with Area XV Multi-County Housing Agency
Serving Southeastern Iowa
Seeking housing assistance in southeastern Iowa? Area XV provides vital programs such as the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and may have public housing options available for eligible residents.