How to Apply for Iowa Section 8

Iowa Housing Choice Voucher program is a Federal government program designed to assist very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled with affordable, decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of a family or individual, participants are able to find housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. Participants can chose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to subsidized housing projects.

It can often be difficult for low-income families living in Iowa to find a suitable residence. Fortunately, many of these households qualify for Section 8 housing. This government-funded program provides financial assistance to those making less than 50 percent of the median income in their area.

Once a voucher is issued, the family is responsible for locating a suitable unit of their choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. The unit may include the family’s current residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the Low Rent Housing Agency Iowa.

Iowa Low Rent Housing Agency pays the housing subsidy directly to the landlord on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount of the subsidy.

Who can Qualify for Section 8?

A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by MHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by MHA 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. A family who is issued a housing voucher usually pays 30% of its adjusted annual income for rent.

HUD is required by law to set income limits that determine the eligibility of applicants for HUD’s assisted housing programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher program.  The income limits are published annually and are based on HUD estimates of median family income in a particular area or county, with adjustments for family size.

 Levels of Low-Income

Low-income.  A family whose annual income does not exceed 80 percent of the median income for the area, adjusted for family size.

Very low-income. A family whose annual income doe not exceed 50 percent of the median income for the area, adjusted for family size.

Extremely low-income.  A family whose annual income doe not exceed 30 percent of the median income for the area, adjusted for family size.

Income limits are used for eligibility only at admission.  Eligibility is established by comparing a family’s annual income with HUD’s published income limits.

Section 8 applicants must fall within the following brackets

• An applicant must be a family

• An applicant must be within the appropriate Income Limits;

• An applicant must furnish Social Security Card(s) and State issued photo IDs for all adult members and/or verification of eligible immigration status if applicable;

• Applicant is a U.S. Citizens or non-citizen who have eligible immigration status;

• An applicant must not owe money to another federally funded housing program;

• Those whose members have not committed fraud in connection with any Federal Housing Assistance program;

• An applicant must complete the application process, provide truthful and verifiable information about income, and personal circumstance;

• Applicant has not been evicted from public housing, Indian Housing, Section 23, or any Section 8 program because of drug-related criminal activity for a five-year period beginning the date of the eviction; and

• Those convicted of manufacture or production of methamphetamine on the premises of any assisted housing project or programs are permanently barred from occupancy.

How to Apply

The application process in Iowa begins once the opening of the waiting list has been advertised. Advertisement is usually placed in the local newspaper and local social service agencies will be notified.

• Applicant will fill out a pre-application to determine eligibility and preferences for placement on the waiting list.

• To determine eligibility, background checks are conducted to include verification of recent eviction from federally funded programs and criminal activity within the last five years.

• When background checks are completed and determination of eligibility is made, applicants will be notified by mail.

• Once the applicant's name reaches the top of the waiting list, the applicant will be notified by mail to come in and complete a full application.

• Information will be re-verified, and then the applicant can look for housing.

• After housing is found, an inspection of the property is required.

• If the home passes inspection, assistance can begin!

After completing your application, it may take a year or even longer to reach to the top of the waiting list, therefore you are advised to be patient.

You are also advised to feel free to apply at more than one location. Your voucher can be used anywhere in the state, regardless of which county you received it in.

If your current home meets HUD requirements and your landlord agrees to participate in the Section 8 program, you may use your voucher toward your current rental.

Remember that providing false information on your Section 8 application is grounds for criminal prosecution, so above all, be honest.

If you are unable to find a suitable home within 60 days, you must request an extension to prevent your name from being placed back onto the waiting list.