applying for section 8 in Hawaii
How to Apply for Hawaii Section 8
Hawaii Section 8 programs distributes Housing Choice Voucher programs to income eligible households. Elderly, handicapped, disabled and extremely low income individuals and families will receive preference for the program. Households who meet Section 8 requirements will be entitled to search for a rental unit. The program will pay a portion of the total rent directly to the landlord. Individuals and families receiving Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) will be able to afford better living.
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are provided by The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA). These HPHA vouchers are valid even if you move to another area within HPHA jurisdiction. However, if you are planning to move, you will need to inform HPHA so that transfers your benefits to another area. An HPHA personnel will help you the procedure.
In order to receive Section 8’s Housing Choice Voucher, an HPHA inspector will inspect your property to ensure that it meets Housing Quality Standards as defined by HUD. You can view details of HUD’s quality standards at the following link (http://www.hcdch.hawaii.gov/documents/section8/Basic_Housing_Standards.pdf).
Housing Choice Voucher program offers two different types of vouchers i.e. project-based and tenant-based. If you are using a tenant-based voucher, you will have a contract with the landlord as a tenant. HPHA won’t be a party to the contract. If you’ve any complaints with your landlord, you will need to solve them at your own. However, HPHA can does provide assistance through Section 8 staff, available at 808-832-6040.
If you are qualified for Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) Program, you can use your vouchers for homeownership instead of using it for rental purpose. In fact, the program aims to let applicants become self-sufficient so that they can get off the government aid over time.
The Section 8 program primarily aims to help families. The program defines family as two or more persons living together whose income sources are collected for the needs of family. People above 62 years of age or disabled will also be considered a family for the purpose of HPHA Hawaii Section 8 program. Single individuals who are income eligible will also be considered a family unit for the purpose of this program.
In order to receive Hawaii Section 8Housing Choice Voucher assistance, applicants will need to submit an application with HPHA and meet all the eligibility requirements for the program. Once accepted, applicants will receive vouchers that can be used either for rental purpose or for homeownership.
Who can Qualify for Section 8?
If you’re looking for Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) rental assistance, you will need to meet requirements for the program.
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You must be a U.S citizen or a qualified alien
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You must fall within the definition of a family
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You must be a resident of Hawaii
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You must meet current income limits (you can view the details below under Income Eligibility)
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You must provide social security number for all family members
Income eligibility
Your household income should be at or below 50% of the state media income level to receive Section 8 housing vouchers. For all new admissions, at least 75% households should have income at or below 30% of the state median income level.
Household size 50% income 30% income
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$34,300 $20,550
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$39,200 $23,500
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$44,100 $26,450
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$48,950 $29,350
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$52,900 $31,700
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$56,800 $34,050
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$60,700 $36,400
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$64,650 $38,750
How to Apply
To apply for Hawaii Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher), you can apply by visiting HPHA office or mailing your application.
Apply by visiting HPHA office: You can apply by visiting your local HPHA office. You will need to ensure that you are taking documents with you that will be needed to prove your eligibility for the program.
Apply by mail: You can also apply by mail but first you will need to download application form. You can call at 808-832-5961 to ask for forms. You can also ask for forms by sending an email to hpha@hawaii.gov
Make sure you send your phone number and mailing address when you write an email to HPHA.
