Happy Home InsiderKeep reading to see what’s needed to get a Housing Choice Voucher, despite any criminal history.
The Primary Benefit of Section 8
When you’re trying to piece your life back together after a felony, every dollar counts. Finding employment may be more challenging than you expect. You may have to work for a lower wage than you’re used to. You may also have additional expenses that make paying as little for rent as possible a priority.
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To achieve this goal, you could opt for alternative housing options, such as renting out someone’s basement or a single room. You could also apply for Section 8 with the hopes of getting a Housing Choice Voucher that pays a large portion of your rent.
If you qualify for a voucher, you will only have to pay 30 percent of your monthly gross income towards the rent. The government will pay the rest directly to your landlord.
What does this mean for you? First, it means you can start putting away money for an emergency fund or other resources to get back on your feet. Second, it gives you peace of mind and reduces stress. Third, and most important, it gives you the ability to enjoy stability so you can stay on track and properly reintegrate into society.
Section 8 Eligibility as a Felon
What stands between you and affordable housing through a voucher? Besides standard requirements like not making too much income, it’s your record. Can you have a criminal record that includes a felony and still receive Section 8 assistance? Contrary to popular belief, you can.
Some felonies could keep you from getting a Section 8 voucher, such as those dealing with:
- Sexual offenses
- Methamphetamine production (especially in federally assisted housing)
- Fraud
- Violence
- Drug trafficking
A history of drug and alcohol abuse, domestic disputes, and defaulting on rent payments can also reduce your chances of getting a voucher.
How can you tell for sure if you’re eligible? Since requirements can vary according to location, the answer is by contacting your Public Housing Agency or PHA. They will be your primary contact during the application process, so it’s good to communicate with them to learn more about the program and see what your chances are of qualifying.
When applying, be truthful on your application. Since the PHA and potential landlords will run background checks anyway, there’s no use in hiding any felonies on your record.
The Section 8 Application Process
As stated, you will have to apply through your PHA. Besides passing a background check, you will need to supply documents regarding citizenship, income, etc.
If eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list. Since the wait could last years due to voucher demand in certain areas, you’ll want to see if you have any preferences that can push you up the list, such as:
- Being homeless
- Living in a substandard home
- Facing eviction at no fault of your own
- Paying over half of your income towards rent
- Being a local resident
Any of those could help you get a voucher quicker. Once you have that voucher, you can use it to live in an apartment, townhome, or single-family home, as long as it passes the program’s standards.
After you move in, your voucher will go straight to your landlord from the PHA. You will have to pay the remaining rent on your own promptly. To begin your application and see if you can receive Section 8 despite a felony record, contact your PHA now.
