If you are looking for low income housing in South Dakota, there are several programs that may be able to help. Section 8, for example, is a program that provides vouchers your family can use to help cover the cost of rent. This program, also known as the housing choice voucher program, is widely used across the state by families who need help.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversees this program at the federal level. At the state level, South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is in charge of many aspects of this program. However, assistance can also come from public housing agencies (PHAs) throughout South Dakota, and in some cases, you may need to work directly with the PHA in your community. Below, learn more about HUD housing and discover how your family can qualify for rental assistance.
Discover South Dakota Section 8 Requirements
You will need to meet a variety of Section 8 requirements in order to apply for assistance through this program. Before getting started, it is important to understand that the exact Section 8 qualifications in South Dakota may differ from those in any other state. This is because the program is funded at the federal level, but is administered separately by local programs.
With that in mind, part of your Section 8 eligibility is based on your income compared to the median income in your county or metro area. Generally speaking, your family’s income must be no more than 50 percent of the median income in your area before you can qualify. However, your application will usually be prioritized if your family’s income is no more than 30 percent of the median income in your area.
While the Section 8 income limits will vary depending on where you live in South Dakota, other program requirements are generally the same across the state. If you meet the income requirements, you will still need to be legally present in the U.S. and your household must meet HUD’s definition of “family.”
Section 8 housing eligibility is limited to applicants who are U.S. citizens or are legally present in the U.S. This can include asylum seekers, lawful permanent residents and other legal immigrants. This definition does not include international students who are studying in the U.S.
Finally, to meet HUD’s definition of family, your household composition must meet certain criteria. As far as HUD is concerned, a family can be composed of the following people:
- One person who is disabled, elderly or displaced by government action or a natural disaster.
- Two or more people who are related by blood, marriage or another legal action such as adoption.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in South Dakota
Filling out a Section 8 application is the first step you must take if you believe your family is eligible for assistance. The application process can vary depending on which PHA you are working with. For example, some PHAs will accept a Section 8 application online, while others require a paper form to be filled out. Furthermore, a PHA might accept a pre-application online, but require that you use a different method when filling out a full application.
The exact steps required to apply for Section 8 will depend on the rules of your local PHA. However, you should be ready to provide the same basic information no matter where you apply. This can include:
- The names of all members of your family.
- The Social Security Number (SSN) of each family member.
- Your current address.
- Your household income.
- A list of your assets.
Before submitting a Section 8 housing application, it is important to understand that each PHA may have different application deadlines or other policies you need to know about. Due to the number of families who need this program, it is also possible that PHAs will stop accepting applications when there are no housing units available. In such cases, you may need to wait and apply at a later date
Understanding Section 8 Waiting Lists in South Dakota
Because a lot of families need help from Section 8, there are oftentimes not enough rental units available to meet the demand. In such cases, you may be placed on a Section 8 waiting list after you submit an application. Depending on where you apply, waiting lists may be extremely long. In certain areas, families may need to wait for months or even longer before getting a voucher.
If you are placed on a waiting list, it helps to be aware that some PHAs give preference to families that meet certain criteria. For example, if your family is extremely low income, you may be placed higher on the waiting list. It helps to ask the PHA about any qualifications your family may meet for preferential placement.
You can also check your Section 8 waiting list status in South Dakota by contacting the PHA that took your application. Keep in mind that you will still need to meet the eligibility criteria once your name comes up on the list. If your eligibility changes while you are on the waiting list, you may not be able to receive vouchers even if you met the qualifications when you were initially put on the list.
Learn About South Dakota Section 8 Housing Lists
Finding low income apartments for rent may be challenging at times. However, most PHAs have a feature that allows you to look at Section 8 listings in your area. The SDHDA also allows you to access a Section 8 housing list that includes information for the entire state.
When looking for a unit to rent, be aware that this program does not work with just any apartment. In most cases, only certain apartment buildings and public housing complexes are eligible. To see an approved Section 8 housing list, contact the PHA that serves your community.
Finally, keep in mind that some PHAs specialize in certain types of housing assistance. For example, some organizations may be open to any person who meets the Section 8 requirements, while others only serve special groups, such as senior citizens.
