Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) in Nevada, is a federally funded housing assistance program. The program is designed to help low and very-low income families, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities to be able to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Despite the fact that this program is funded by the federal government, local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) are responsible for administering their own HCV programs.
One of the main benefits of the Section 8 housing program is that beneficiaries are able to find a place to live on their own, and they are not limited to specific neighborhoods. Participants are able to choose any housing that meets the standards established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Keep reading to find out more about the program’s eligibility requirements, how to apply for benefits and more.
Discover Nevada Section 8 Requirements
Applicants must meet Section 8 requirements before they are eligible to receive housing assistance benefits. In order to participate in the program, individuals and families must have their eligibility verified by a local Public Housing Agency.
The PHA will use the information provided to see if applicants meet Section 8 qualifications and to determine their level of housing assistance. In order to meet the requirements to participate in the program, applying households must:
- File under a single applicant that is at least 18 years of age.
- Satisfy the qualifications for what is considered a household by the HUD.
- Qualify as citizens or immigrants with eligible status.
One of the primary factors used to determine whether a family receives housing assistance is whether or not they fall within Section 8 income limits in the district where they are applying. Generally, if a family or individual has an income below 30 percent of Nevada’s median income limits, they will be eligible for housing voucher benefits. However, it is important to note that the Section 8 income limits change on a yearly basis.
Section 8 housing benefits are distributed on a needs basis, so a certain amount of housing vouchers are reserved for households that are considered very low or extremely low income. A household that has a yearly income that equals 30 percent or less of the median income in the area, they will be considered extremely low income in Nevada. If a household makes an annual income between 30 and 50 percent of the median income in the area, they will be considered very low income.
The income limits for Section 8 eligibility are determined based on:
- The earned salaries or wages of each member of the household.
- The amount of public assistance benefits that are received by the household members.
- Income from other assets.
- Real property and liquid assets.
- Other sources of income.
Note: Section 8 income limits can vary depending on the area, so applicants are encouraged to visit their local PHA for more info.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Nevada
When applying for Section 8 housing in Nevada, you must visit a local PHA. To complete the process, you will be required to provide information about all of your family members in order to determine your eligibility.
Certain districts in Nevada will allow you to mail in your application instead of having to submit it in person. A few examples of the information and documents that may be required to complete a Section 8 application include:
- Information about the household size and composition (members who are elderly, living with disabilities, pregnant and etc.)
- The first and last names of all household members
- The Social Security Number of all household members.
- Birth certificates for all members.
- The race and ethnicity of all members.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigrant status.
Understanding Section 8 Waiting Lists in Nevada
Once a household has submitted their application and the PHA has verified their eligibility, they will be placed on a Section 8 waiting list. All applications for Section 8 benefits are time-stamped immediately and applicants are placed into the waitlist(s) according to the date and time that their application was received. Participants will remain on this waiting list until they can receive their housing vouchers.
In some cases, PHAs will institute local preferences for their Section 8 waiting list. Applicants who meet these local preferences will receive expedited service for their housing assistance and may have their wait time reduced. Despite the fact that local preferences may vary depending on the agency, these are a few common qualifications for priority on the Section 8 waiting list:
- Applicants who are or have household members who are elderly – In order to be considered elderly, a household member must be 62 years of age or older.
- Applicants who have or are living with a household member with a disability – Beneficiaries may be able to request special housing accommodations in order to better meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.
- Military veterans – Retired service members may be required to provide documents proving that they served in the military and received an honorable discharge.
When applying for Section 8 benefits, be sure to ask the PHA about any potential local preferences that your household may be eligible for.
Learn About Nevada Section 8 Housing Lists
One of the main benefits of the Housing Choice Voucher program is that beneficiaries can find their own rental housing in the private market. In order to assist program participants, there are a number of different Section 8 housing lists in Nevada that compile local low income apartments that are available for rent. Some housing lists also include a list of properties owned by landlords who are known to accept Section 8 housing vouchers.
