In order to complete a Section 8 application in Idaho quickly and efficiently, you must understand how the application process works. Reviewing the submission methods available for your Public Housing Agency (PHA) will help you prepare yourself. In this state, some PHAs require you to apply online, while others require you to apply in person, by mail or via email.

Since different counties offer different ways to apply for Section 8 in ID, it is important that you follow the guidelines of your specific county. However, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds and maintains the program, which means that the application procedure is similar from county to county.

When can I submit a Section 8 application in Idaho?

You can only submit an ID Section 8 housing application whenever a waitlist is open. Currently, PHAs in the state are accepting new applications. If your PHA accepts online applications through the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) website, you may submit the form at any time of day.

Moreover, keep in mind that you may not be able to fill out the Section 8 application online for free if the website is scheduled for maintenance. In this case, a notice will be posted on the site in advance.

If your PHA is accepting in-person applications, you may drop off your completed form during business hours. For instance, the Southwestern Idaho Cooperative Housing Authority (SICHA) allows you to drop off your form at the SICHA main office.

What documents do I need to apply for Section 8 in Idaho?

In order to complete the HUD application in its entirety, you will need to reference certain documents to verify your eligibility. Overall, these documents will help you through the pre-application and the regular application process. Important documents include:

• Proof of citizenship or legal non-citizenship, such as U.S. birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, visa card or permanent resident card.
• Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN) such as a Social Security card or W-2 form that lists your SSN.
• Proof of income, such as a recent paycheck, W-2 form or letter of employment.
• Proof of assets or resources, such as a bank statement that shows a deposit from unearned income, documents from another federal assistance program and more, if applicable.
• Proof of housing expenses, such as a mortgage or lease agreement, utility bills and other qualifying documents.

Keep in mind that the ID Section 8 application online is the pre-application. The same is true for the initial in-person or by-mail application. For this form, you may not need to reference all of these documents.

Tips for Completing the Idaho Section 8 Housing Application

Before you apply for Section 8 online, in person or by mail, it may be helpful to first contact your county PHA. A caseworker at the office may provide you with information on the waitlist and the appropriate submission method for applications.

This way, you will not submit your forms incorrectly and cause delays in the process. Typical questions to ask a caseworker include:

• Are you currently accepting applications for the HCV program?
• Which submission method do you recommend based on my circumstances?
• Do I qualify for waitlist preference?

If you apply for Section 8 housing in ID, your application may receive preference. This means that you will be approved for help more quickly and you will be placed higher up on the waitlist. You may have preference if one or more of the following circumstances apply:

• You live in a homeless shelter
• More than 50 percent of your income goes toward mortgage or rent and other applicable housing expenses, such as utilities
• Your income does not exceed 50 percent of the median income in your county

To learn other key insights for the Section 8 application, download our comprehensive guide.

Understanding the Idaho Section 8 Application Process

After filling out the Section 8 application form completely, you must submit it online, by mail or in person. Since the pre-application form is not long, it should not take a large amount of time to complete. From there, your PHA will inform you of the next steps.

Note: This process may take slightly longer if you have a disability. Nonetheless, your PHA will provide reasonable accommodations so that you will have an equal shot at receiving housing choice vouchers. As an example, you have the right to a free sign language interpreter if necessary.

How to Apply for Section 8 Online in Idaho

If you want to complete the Idaho low income housing application online, visit the IHFA rental assistance portal. However, it is important to remember that this site is not contracted with every PHA in the state. For instance, the Blaine County Housing Authority allows applicants to use this site, while the SICHA requires its applicants to apply through different methods.

If you choose to complete the HUD housing application online, you must first create an account. The site will prompt you to enter the following:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Preferred language
• Email address

You must submit other information as well. Once you have completed the form, be sure to double check your work.

How to Submit the Idaho Section 8 Housing Application in Person

You may apply for low income housing in person depending on your county. To do so, you must print out the pre-application form and fill it out ahead of time. The form will ask questions concerning your:

• Contact information.
• Spouse and other household members.
• Sources of income.

Once you have finished filling out the form, you must sign and date it. Then, bring this form to the appropriate office. This may or may not be your local PHA depending on the submission guidelines in your county.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing by Mail

If you want to sign up for Section 8 in Idaho by mail, you must print out the pre-application form from your PHA’s website. As with in-person applications, you must fill it out in advance. Then, you may mail, fax or email the form to the appropriate address.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 in Idaho?

After you submit the housing authority application online, it may take some time to hear back from your PHA. If you applied online, you may visit the application portal and check the status of your submission.

If you applied in person or by mail, you have the ability to call your local PHA for details. In any case, be mindful that you will be notified whenever a decision has been made on your case.