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How do you get section 8 housing?

I am trying to move in the next couple of months. I know that i would qualify for section 8 housing, but am wondering how you get it, how long it takes, and how it works.

Public Comments

1. By being poor
2. apply in person at your local HUD office. the office serving you can be found online at HUD.gov, but you must get an appointment and apply in person.
3. You apply with the housing authority. You can apply in 2 counties, where you live and where you work. You have to be disabled or working 35 hours a week and earning less then 60% of median. All adults in the house have to work and if you are a single parent you have to collect child support. It takes from 2 to 9 years, depending on your location. Many many many housing authorities have waiting list so long that they are not taking any more applications. When you apply you will need your and your children's birth certificates and social security cards.
4. You apply at your local housing department. The average wait list is 3-7 years long.
5. Your local or county housing authority will take your application. If you qualify, expect a long wait; months or years. The housing authority can give you an idea of the wait time. Usually you get a voucher either for some or all of the rent. If the voucher is income based, you normally pay about 1/3 of your income for the rent, and the section 8 benefit pays the balance.