How to Apply for Colorado Section 8

Application of Colorado Housing Voucher Section 8 Program is a lottery based process which is open to anyone aged 18 years and above. The lottery dates of the lottery may change each New Year; however, these dates are announced in all local newspapers under the public notice section and also the DHA phone system. Entries from the interested applicants are submitted within the time frame allotted through the online process and transferred to DHA’s computer system. It is important to note that random drawings are held throughout the year.

If an applicant’s number is selected, he/she will be notified through the mail 3 months from the date of the application. After winning, lottery ticket numbers are valid throughout the year and they usually expire on December 31 of each year. Once the lottery ticket has expired, it becomes null and void. Therefore, interested parties are encouraged to re-apply every year since numbers from the previous year become null and void as of December 31 of that same year.

Once a family has been issued with a housing voucher it becomes the responsibility of the family head to find a suitable housing unit of their choice, in the community of their choice, where the owner agrees to rent under the program. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Who can Qualify for Section 8?

Section 8 Housing may include single-family homes, town homes and apartments. Rent of the rental unit must be reasonable and the unit must meet the minimum standard of health and safety, as determined by Housing Quality Standards.  A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the Division of Housing (DOH)  on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by DOH and SHP, a family may use its voucher to purchase a home.

Housing Choice Vouchers  program offers tenant-based subsidies for rents paid by low income households, elderly and disabled. Tenant payments are based upon their income. Section 8 rental subsidies which is administered by The Divison of Housing contracts with public housing authorities and non-profit organizations covers the difference between tenant payments and the unit’s market rent throughout the state of Colorado..

If more than one Denver PHA is accepting applications, apply at numerous offices to increase your chances for a section 8 voucher.

If there are changes in your family household, you must report those changes in writing to your residential coordinator within ten (10) business days. This includes additions due to birth, adoption, and court-awarded custody.  Household additions/members that are not reported within the 10 days will be considered unauthorized household members. This will be considered a serious program violation and may result in termination of assistance.

The penalty for lying on a section 8 application is loss of voucher and your housing lease, so make sure all information is up-to-date and accurate.

How to Apply

Contact your local public housing office and submit your information to enter a lottery-based drawing for a housing voucher. The computer picks several entries throughout the year. You can submit entries at multiple locations to maximize your chances of receiving a voucher. To contact your local housing agency please check http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts

Check the Public Housing Authority's website and local papers for the lottery dates. Drawings are held at different times throughout the year. If the computer picks your number, you will be notified by mail no later than 120 days since the drawing date.

Pick up an application at the local office or by going to the Department of Local Affairs website http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=DOLA-Main%2FCBONLayout&cid=1251595261951&pagename=CBONWrapper..

Complete each section of the application. If a question doesn't apply to you, write "N/A" in the answer space. Do not leave it blank. The information must be correct and verifiable. If you provide false information, your application will be denied. Sign and date the application.

Submit the application to the local public housing office in Colorado. Provide copies of your paycheck stubs or any documents verifying your income information. You may need to provide copies of birth certificates for your dependents living with you. The application instructions will list the required documents. Occupancy staff will contact you to set up an interview to determine your eligibility. After reviewing and verifying your application information, you will receive an approval letter. The voucher will be available within 30 to 60 days.

Pick up your housing voucher and attend an orientation session to become familiar with the process of finding a property approved by the public housing authority.