Where to Start Looking for Section 8 in Wyoming

Wyoming does not have a statewide Section 8 program run by a single agency. Instead, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in individual cities and counties administer their own waiting lists and programs. This means you explore directly to the PHA that serves your area, not to a central state office.

The largest PHAs in Wyoming are in Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and Gillette. Each maintains its own waiting list, sets its own preferences, and moves at its own pace. A waiting list in one city does not transfer to another — if you move or want to explore in a different area, you start fresh with that PHA's process.

Finding the right PHA is your first step. The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) does not run Section 8 directly, but their website lists all active PHAs in the state and their contact information. You can also call 211 (a free referral line) and give them your city or county; they will tell you which PHA serves your area and whether their waiting list is open.

Key Takeaways

  • Wyoming has multiple local Public Housing Authorities, not one statewide program, so you explore to the PHA in your city or county.
  • Waiting lists vary by location — some are open, some are closed, and some have years-long waits, so calling your local PHA first saves time.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and a Social Security number for each household member before you submit anything.
  • The PHA will conduct a home inspection and income verification before you receive a voucher, a process that typically takes several weeks to months.
  • Once you have a voucher, you search for your own rental unit and the PHA pays the landlord a portion of the rent; you pay the rest.

Finding Your Local PHA and Checking Waiting List Status

Start by identifying which PHA covers your area. If you live in Cheyenne, contact the Cheyenne Housing Authority. If you are in Casper, contact the Casper Housing Authority. Smaller towns may be served by a county-level authority. The WCDA website has a directory, or you can call 211 and provide your address.

Once you know your PHA, call them directly and ask three things: Is the waiting list open? How long is the current wait? What documents do you need to bring? Many PHAs in Wyoming have closed waiting lists because demand exceeds available vouchers. If the list is closed, ask when it typically reopens — some reopen annually, others less often. Do not assume a closed list means you cannot explore later; check back every few months.

Some PHAs allow you to explore online through their website. Others require you to explore in person at their office during business hours. A few accept applications by mail. Ask which method your PHA uses when you call, and whether they have a specific process period or accept applications year-round.

Documents You Will Need Before You explore

Have these items ready before you visit or contact your PHA. Missing documents will delay your process or cause it to be rejected. Gather originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted for proof of identity or income.

Proof of identity: A state ID, driver's license, or passport for every person in your household. If you do not have a state ID, you can obtain one at any Wyoming Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Proof of income: Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer on company letterhead, or tax returns from the past two years. If you are unemployed, bring documentation of unemployment benefits or other income sources. If you receive Social Security, disability, or child support, bring the award letter or bank statements showing deposits.

Proof of citizenship or immigration status: A birth certificate, naturalization papers, or a valid immigration document. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to show that you have a may have access to immigration status. Some statuses do not may have access to for Section 8; your PHA can tell you whether yours does.

Social Security numbers: Bring the Social Security card or a document showing the number for every household member, including children. If you do not have a number, you can explore for one at the Social Security office in your area.

Proof of residency: A recent utility bill, lease, or letter from a landlord showing your current address. This does not have to be in your name if you can explain why (for example, if you live with family).

What Happens After You Submit Your process

After you turn in your process, the PHA will review it for completeness. If documents are missing, they will contact you and give you a important date to provide them — usually 10 to 14 days. If you miss the important date, your process may be rejected and you will have to start over.

Once your process is complete, the PHA will verify your income by contacting your employer or benefits agency directly. They will also run a background check and pull your credit report. This verification step typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, you do not need to do anything unless the PHA calls asking for more information.

After verification, the PHA will schedule a home inspection if you are currently renting. They will visit your unit to check that it meets basic safety and livability standards. This inspection is not a deep cleaning — they are looking for things like working heat, safe electrical outlets, and no major structural damage. If your unit fails, you will have time to fix the issues and request a re-inspection.

If everything checks out, the PHA will place you on the waiting list or, if you are at the top of the list, issue you a Housing Choice Voucher. The voucher is a document that tells landlords the PHA will pay part of your rent. You then have a set amount of time (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on your PHA) to find a rental unit.

Finding a Rental Unit and Signing a Lease

Once you have a voucher, you search for your own apartment or house. You can look anywhere in Wyoming, and in some cases in other states, depending on your PHA's rules. Use online listings, contact landlords directly, or work with a real estate agent. Tell potential landlords that you have a Section 8 voucher — some welcome it, others refuse to rent to voucher holders.

When you find a unit you want, the landlord will need to sign a lease with you and agree to accept the PHA's payment. The PHA will then inspect the unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards. This inspection is more thorough than the one done on your current home; the PHA checks things like plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and the condition of walls and floors. If the unit fails, the landlord must fix the problems before you can move in.

Once the unit passes inspection and the lease is signed, the PHA will issue a Housing information Payment (HAP) contract to the landlord. This contract tells the landlord how much the PHA will pay each month. You will pay the difference between the PHA's payment and the actual rent. This difference is called your tenant contribution or rent share.

How Much You Will Pay Each Month

Your monthly rent share is based on your income. The PHA calculates it as a percentage of your gross monthly income — usually 30 percent, though some PHAs use different formulas. If your gross income is $1,500 a month, your share might be $450. If the rent is $800, the PHA pays $350 and you pay $450.

Your rent share can change if your income changes. If you get a raise or lose a job, tell your PHA. They will recalculate your share and adjust what you pay. If your income drops significantly, your share may drop too, which means the PHA pays more.

You are responsible for paying your share on time each month, directly to the landlord. If you do not pay, the landlord can evict you, and the PHA can take away your voucher. The PHA also pays for utilities in some cases — ask your PHA whether utilities are included in the HAP payment or whether you pay them separately.

Renewing Your Voucher and What Can Go Wrong

Section 8 vouchers are not permanent. Your PHA will recertify your income and household composition every year or every two years, depending on their schedule. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you when to come in. Bring the same documents you brought when you first applied — proof of income, proof of residency, and identification.

If you do not show up for recertification, your voucher will be terminated. If your income has increased significantly, your rent share will go up. If you move to a different unit, the PHA must inspect the new unit before you can move in. If you move out of your PHA's jurisdiction, your voucher may not transfer — check with your PHA before you move.

If you violate the lease (for example, by not paying rent or damaging the unit), the landlord can evict you and report it to the PHA. The PHA can then terminate your voucher. If you are evicted, you will have a hard time getting Section 8 again in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore to more than one PHA at the same time?

Yes. If you are near the border between two PHAs or think you might move, you can explore to both. Each PHA maintains its own waiting list, so being on one does not affect your place on another. However, once you receive a voucher from one PHA, you typically cannot hold a voucher from another at the same time.

What if my PHA's waiting list is closed?

Call back every few months and ask when it will reopen. Some PHAs reopen their lists once a year, usually in spring. Others open them only when someone leaves the program. In the meantime, look into other housing programs in Wyoming, such as emergency rental information or low-income housing tax credit properties, which may have shorter waits.

Do I have to use my voucher in Wyoming, or can I move to another state?

You can move to another state, but your Wyoming PHA voucher does not automatically work there. You must request a portability transfer from your PHA. The new state's PHA must agree to take you on. This process can take several weeks. Ask your PHA about portability rules before you plan a move.

What happens if I lose my job while I have a voucher?

Tell your PHA right away. Your income will drop, so your rent share will be recalculated and likely go down. The PHA may also help you find job training or employment services. Do not wait to report the change — if the PHA finds out you hid a job loss, they can terminate your voucher.

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a Section 8 voucher?

In Wyoming, landlords can legally refuse Section 8 tenants in most cases, though some cities have local rules against this. If a landlord refuses, ask if it is because of the voucher or another reason. If it is the voucher, move on to the next landlord — many will accept it. Your PHA may also have a list of landlords who are willing to work with voucher holders.