Learn About Section 8 Housing in Alaska
The Section 8 program was established in 1937 through the Housing Act. Its original purpose was to assist low-income families in finding suitable places to live. This purpose still holds true today, as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) still maintains the program and its priorities.
More often than not, families who reside in low-income housing in Alaska sacrifice the safety and sanitary conditions of a place for the sake of affordability. Consequently, this program aims to lift the financial burden from needy families so that they may improve their quality of life.
If you qualify for Section 8 housing in Alaska, you can receive housing choice vouchers. During your enrollment, the local Public Housing Agency (PHA) will submit a voucher every month to your landlord. Then, you may cover the remaining cost of the rental. Note that HUD housing is not only for apartments. Instead, you may be able to move into a modest house, condo or another approved form of housing.
In Alaska, the housing choice voucher program assists 19,000 seniors, veterans, working families and people with disabilities. 15 percent of those beneficiaries are seniors, 24 percent have a disability and 62 percent are part of a family with children. Without this program, many residents of Alaska would be homeless. Read below to learn about Alaska Section 8 eligibility requirements, the application process and more.
If you are wondering how to submit a Section 8 application in Alaska, make sure to contact your PHA beforehand. Overall, application methods may vary from agency to agency. As a result, it is important to inquire about different application procedures for your area, as determined by local PHAs.
You may be able to contact your local PHA by phone or email. In order to find the right PHA, use the state’s list of available agencies. If you want to visit the office in person, make sure to contact the PHA first for business hours and walk-in policies.
When you apply for Section 8, you must be prepared to provide proof of your identity, job, tax returns and more. Having the appropriate documents readily available may simplify the process for you and your local PHA. As an example, you will be asked to provide the following information:
You will be placed on a Section 8 waiting list in Alaska if you are approved for housing assistance. Generally, waiting lists are in place due to the extremely high demand for vouchers. In fact, as a result, many PHAs across the country have closed their waitlists indefinitely.
The frequency at which you may check your Section 8 waiting list status will depend on your PHA. Remember, however, that you will be notified very quickly if you reach the top of the list. If you have recently become homeless, your PHA is likely to make your case a priority.
If you do receive a notice, your eligibility will be checked once more before you can begin receiving vouchers. This is because your eligibility may have changed during the time it took for you to reach the top of the list.
Discover Alaska Section 8 Requirements
Section 8 requirements in Alaska are relatively simple. However, proving meeting requirements is a little more complicated. There are three main factors that influence your eligibility:- The total annual gross income of your household
- The size of your family
- Your citizenship status in the U.S.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Alaska
- The names and ages of your family members
- The employment status of each family member
- Employment information on working family members
- The number of dependents in your family
- Whether any family members are disabled or have a serious illness
- Whether you receive monetary assistance for fostering or adopting children