Learn About Section 8 Housing in Pennsylvania
State residents who struggle to make their rental payments may benefit from enrolling in the Section 8 program in Pennsylvania. This housing choice voucher program enables families and individuals to afford low income housing by receiving vouchers that cover a portion of their monthly rent, ensuring that they do not end up homeless.
In general, beneficiaries enrolled in Section 8 only have to pay between 30 and 40 percent of their monthly income on rent. The remaining portion of rent that is not covered by their income is paid for by their local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Overall, PHAs receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The HUD issues funding for a certain number of Section 8 vouchers to each PHA in the state. As such, this program ensures that low-income families, the elderly and people with disabilities are not priced out of the private rental marketplace.
Consequently, Section 8 ensures that families do not have to live in projects in order to afford rent. It is important to note that the application methods, eligibility requirements and priorities for the program may vary by PHA. To learn more about low income HUD housing, read the sections below.
You can submit a Section 8 application online, by mail or in person, depending on the application guidelines established by your local PHA. Certain PHAs have an online portal that allows you to complete an application, upload documents, make changes (as needed) and check on your status. However, many PHAs require you to submit a paper application by mail or schedule an appointment with the local office to apply in person. In a few cases, you may be required to begin the application process with a phone call.
Keep in mind that you are not necessarily always able to apply for Section 8. Because demand for vouchers typically exceeds the available supply, many PHAs limit the time period that they will accept applications. If your PHA is currently not accepting new applicants, you must carefully watch its official portal for updates regarding the waitlist and the enrollment period.
You will not immediately receive a voucher after submitting a successful Section 8 application in Pennsylvania. Instead, you are placed on a Section 8 waiting list.
After being placed on a waitlist, you must wait for a voucher to become available. While PHAs generally go through their waiting lists on a first-come, first-served basis, they may prioritize certain applicants over others. For instance, residents who are homeless or veterans may receive priority over applicants who currently have a home to reside in. As such, your Section 8 waiting list status depends on your particular circumstances.
While you are on the Section 8 waiting list, it is important to keep your information up to date. If you move, you must update your address on your application. Additionally, you must inform your PHA if your household makeup or income changes.
All these changes can affect your eligibility for Section 8. Moreover, failing to update your address when you move can result in being purged from the waiting list. Many PHAs will send you notices by mail on an annual basis, which serve to determine whether you are still interested in the program. If you fail to respond, you will likely be removed from the waitlist.