A North Dakota Section 8 application can be filled out through a public housing agency (PHA) in your community. As a general rule, it is possible to apply for Section 8 through any PHA of your choosing. Moreover, you are allowed to submit applications to more than one organization at a time.

It is important to understand that PHAs are separate from one another, meaning that the steps to sign up for Section 8 may vary slightly. With that said, all housing agencies receive funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Read below to learn more about the application process and find out how to sign up for HUD benefits in ND.

When can I submit a Section 8 application in North Dakota?

You usually cannot fill out a Section 8 housing application at any time. Housing authorities are free to close their application portal whenever there are too many people waiting to receive assistance. In such cases, you need to wait until the organization begins taking new petitioners again. PHAs may stop taking applications for any length of time.

Some areas have a lower demand for vouchers than others. Therefore, you may be able to sign up for Section 8 at any time of year, depending on where you apply.

However, you should always check to see whether your preferred PHA is actively taking new forms before you try starting the application process. Most housing authorities will not provide access to any application materials when the waiting list is closed.

Remember that you can submit a HUD application to any housing authority you wish. You may find that other housing authorities in your area are currently accepting applications.

Generally, your chances of being approved for a voucher may be higher if you apply through a local organization. However, there is no requirement that you seek help from the PHA that serves your community.

Note that PHAs will make a public announcement when their waiting list opens and closes. If you are waiting to apply for Section 8 housing, it is in your best interest to keep an eye out for such notices.

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

A Section 8 application form may need to include proof of your eligibility. Some PHAs will require that you submit documents with your initial application, while others will only need to verify your eligibility when a voucher becomes available. In any case, always check the policies of your PHA before applying so that you do not miss out on any requirements.

The types of documents you need may vary depending on your situation. In most cases, you will need to verify your identity, legal presence in the U.S., age, income and other basic eligibility criteria. With that in mind, you might need to provide the following documents with your HUD housing application:

• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• Photo identification
• Immigration or citizenship paperwork
• Pay stubs, bank statements or tax returns to verify income

Note that your low income housing application typically needs to include documents for each member of your household. However, you may not need a photo ID for applicants younger than 18 years of age. Learn more about the document requirements for a Section 8 application by reading our guide here.

Tips for Completing the North Dakota Section 8 Housing Application

When you apply for low income housing in North Dakota, it is important to check for any policies you may need to follow with each PHA. For example, you usually can only send in one application per household for each housing authority. Submitting a duplicate housing authority application will usually result in your household being rejected.

Most housing authorities also require that your application is entirely filled out with no blank information. If there are any questions that do not apply to your family, it is generally better to write “N/A” rather than leaving an answer blank. In many cases, incomplete applications will be rejected.

You may also find that it is a good idea to apply for Section 8 with a local housing authority if you have the opportunity to do so. This is because most PHAs give preference to applicants who either live, work or go to school in the local community. As a result, your chances of being approved for a voucher are higher with your local PHA.

Local preferences exist for other petitioners as well. Housing authorities oftentimes give preference to applicants who:

• Are seniors.
• Have been homeless.
• Are veterans.
• Were victims of domestic abuse.
• Are living in substandard housing.
• Have been displaced from home.

Understanding the North Dakota Section 8 Application Process

Housing authorities usually accept applications either online, in person or by mail. Some PHAs will take applications in any form, while others will require you to apply using only one method.

How to Apply for Section 8 Online in North Dakota

If a PHA has a website, it may or may not allow you to sign up for assistance online. You can usually only submit a Section 8 application online if the housing authority is currently taking new petitioners.

How to Submit the North Dakota Section 8 Housing Application in Person

PHAs will commonly allow you to sign up for assistance by visiting the office in person instead. Before attempting to apply in person, it is a good idea to check the office hours and application policies for your PHA.

How to Apply for Section 8 Housing by Mail

You may also contact a PHA to receive a paper copy of the application by mail in most cases. Once you receive the form, simply fill in the required fields, sign the application and return it to the housing authority’s mailing address.

What happens after I apply for Section 8 in North Dakota?

Once you submit a Section 8 application in North Dakota, you will more than likely be placed onto a waiting list. In the event you are added to such a list, it is important that you inform the PHA of any changes to:

• Address
• Family size or composition
• Other eligibility factors

It is important to note that, if you are on a waiting list, you are not guaranteed to receive a voucher. Furthermore, some PHAs clear out their waitlist periodically. In such cases, you may need to apply for Section 8 again to be considered.