Learn About Section 8 Housing in Connecticut
Section 8, which is also called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, prevents homelessness by helping low-income families move into safe and sanitary homes. Oftentimes, families who live in low income housing sacrifice safe conditions so that they can afford rent on a monthly basis.
On the federal level, Section 8 housing is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, Section 8 vouchers in Connecticut are distributed by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) across the state. As such, different PHAs will work with applicants to determine their eligibility and get them the help they need. Overall, these vouchers cover a certain portion of a recipient’s rent every month.
An estimated 162,700 beneficiaries receive assistance from HUD housing in Connecticut. 66 percent of those recipients are seniors, families with children and people with disabilities. To assist these residents, the CT Department of Housing (DOH) has six PHAs in the state, one Community Action Agency and several other customer service offices.
If you are ready to submit a Section 8 application in Connecticut, you may contact your local PHA. However, be mindful that many of the waiting lists in the state are often full or closed.
Even though you may not be able to apply for Section 8 at a particular time, you may still find it useful to get in touch with your local PHA. Valuable questions to ask include:
A Section 8 waiting list contains approved applicants who have not yet received housing assistance. Unfortunately, it may take years for qualified applicants to receive HUD housing assistance, and they may lose their eligibility during that waiting period. Families tend to lose eligibility if they begin to earn more money, as well as when a family member passes away or moves out of the home.
Discover Connecticut Section 8 Requirements
There are several key Section 8 requirements in Connecticut that are important to understand. Ultimately, eligibility will come down to these main factors:- Your family’s annual gross income.
- The size of your family and whether any of them are children, dependents, seniors, veterans or have a disability.
- Whether you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- You are registered as a lifetime sex offender.
- You have been evicted from a federally assisted housing unit for drug-related, criminal activity.
- You have crimes on your record that may threaten the safety of other tenants in a building.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Connecticut
- When might the waitlist reopen?
- Is there an initial residency requirement for this area?
- Do you ever make exceptions to any residency requirements?
- How long does an applicant stay on the waitlist before receiving assistance?
Understanding Section 8 Waiting Lists in Connecticut
Learn About Connecticut Section 8 Housing Lists
You can consult a Section 8 housing list in Connecticut if you are deemed eligible for assistance. The housing list will detail the available homes in your town or county that meet the requirements of the program. Qualified units include apartments, houses, townhouses, condos and more. Ultimately, you are responsible for finding a suitable housing unit that:- Does not cost more than your PHA’s designated rent maximum.
- Abides by the HUD rules for safe and sanitary conditions.
- Is owned by a landlord who agrees to participate in the Section 8 program.