applying for section 8 in Wyoming

How to Apply for Wyoming Section 8

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Wyoming Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is a federally funded program for the low-income tenants so that they can afford quality housing. Section 8 rental assistance will pay a major portion of such tenant's rent to ensure that they can afford a housing that they won't be able to afford otherwise. U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds the program while local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) administer it at the local level. These agencies check eligibility and provide rental subsidy to the landlord if a Section 8 tenant is living in the housing. The program aims to help families with extremely low income first, thus requiring 70% vouchers to be distributed among families with income below 30% of the area median income.

Wyoming Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program requires local PHAs to maintain a waiting list. The waiting list remains open for as long as funds are available. When PHA runs out of funds, it stops accepting any new applications for the program and therefore the waiting list closes. Applicants can apply with more than one PHAs to increase their chances of getting the assistance. Once an applicant reaches near the top of the waiting list, PHA will send a notification about eligibility determination to the applicant. Eligible applicants will need to find a housing unit in public housing that meets HUD's quality standards. This tool (http://www.hud.gov/apps/section8/step2.cfm?state=WY%2CWyoming) from HUD's official website can help anyone find a perfect house that meets HUD's requirements. PHA will visit and inspect the housing unit to determine whether or not it meets quality standards. On approval, Section 8 beneficiary will receive rental assistance which will go directly to the landlord from the local PHA. This rental assistance usually covers 70% of the rental income and utility costs for the Section 8 tenant.

A Section 8 tenant has the same duties and rights as any other tenant has under the contract of lease with the landlord. Similarly, the landlord will also have the same rights and duties. A landlord can ask a Section 8 tenant to evict the property on violation of the contract or any other reason that would result in eviction in usual circumstances.

In addition to Section 8 rental assistance, Housing Choice voucher holders can also get assistance with buying a home through Section 8 program. You can check with your local PHA to find out if it's participating in the homeownership program. You can read more about the Homeownership Program on HUD's website (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/homeownership).

Who can Qualify for Section 8?

To receive Section 8 voucher, an applicant will need to meet HUD's program requirements. The requirements for Wyoming Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program are given below for your convenience.

  • Family unit: You must fall under HUD's definition of a family unit. The definition of a family unit includes both individuals as well as a group of people living together.

  • Household income: Your household income must be below the income limit for Section 8 program. About 70% of the vouchers are given to families with income at or below 30% of the area median income. However, in case funds are still available, PHAs can issue the remaining vouchers to families with household income at or below 50% of the area median income.

  • Citizenship: Section 8 rental assistance is only available for U.S citizens and qualified aliens. If you can't prove your citizenship status, you won't be eligible for the program.

  • Background check: Your local PHA will run a background check on you to determine whether or not you've a history for alcohol abuse, sexual offense, or eviction from public housing for drug-related criminal activity.

How to Apply

To apply for Wyoming Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, you can simply follow these steps.

 

  • Visit your local PHA's office. You can find contact information for PHAs in Wyoming (http://www.hud.gov/apps/section8/step2.cfm?state=WY%2CWyoming) using this link.

  • Ask if the waiting list is open or closed. If it's closed, ask for date when it opens again.

  • If waiting list is open and the local PHA is accepting applications, you can initiate your application at the PHA office. An agent will help you with the entire application process.