Jonah JacobsWhat’s your main goal when applying for Section 8? Getting a Housing Choice Voucher. Why? Because it can pay the majority of your rent, while you only have to pay around 30 percent of your income to the landlord. And while getting that voucher is your main Section 8 goal, here’s what you’ll need to do before that happens: Make the waitlist.
What’s so special about the waitlist? It signifies that you qualify for Section 8, and that you passed a significant hurdle on the way to making rent affordable. But don’t let the name “waitlist” fool you, as you’ll need to take action to ensure you get that voucher in the end.
Here’s a list of things you should do once you’re put on the Section 8 waiting list, according to experts on the topic:
Keep an Eye Out for Correspondence
Your Public Housing Agency (PHA) will be in charge of disbursing your Section 8 voucher. Throughout the process, they may send you correspondence about your application that you must respond to promptly. If you don’t, you could run into delays with your voucher’s processing, or you could lose your spot on the waitlist.
Whether it’s via phone, email, or in your mailbox, keep an eye out for anything your PHA tries to send you. The quicker you respond, the better.
Keep Detailed Records of Everything
Besides watching out for and responding to the PHA correspondence, you’ll need to document everything to ensure the process goes smoothly. The main reason for this is that some PHAs have heavy turnover, so your application could get lost in the mix.
Keep separate files for anything related to your voucher application. It’s a good idea to take pictures of everything too.
Give the PHA Updated Information
Even though you may be approved for a Housing Choice Voucher and are on a waiting list, you’ll need to provide updates to the PHA. For instance, if your household income changes, you move, or your family composition changes, you’ll need to let them know.
Don’t Stop Applying
Just because you make one waitlist doesn’t mean you should put all of your eggs in that basket. To increase your chances of getting a voucher quicker, apply to other waitlists as soon as they open up. It’s a numbers game, so the more waitlists you apply to, the better your chances of finally getting that voucher.
Talk To Others in Your Position
The Internet makes it easy to connect with others dealing with your same issues. Use this to your advantage and join some Section 8 groups online. You can look for Facebook Groups on the topic, as well as message boards. By connecting online, you can learn tips and tricks on Section 8, share your experiences, and gain some much-needed support.
Be Patient
Section 8 is not emergency rental assistance. Depending on your location, your Section 8 wait could take years. Remember this, and don’t get frustrated. No matter how long the delay, it’ll be worth it once you have your voucher and can start saving significant money on rent.
