Application Instructions for Connecticut Section 8
Step 1
The Connecticut Section 8 Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development, better known as HUD. It is doled out locally by PHA offices throughout Connecticut. For residents of Connecticut who need assistance to find affordable housing the Section 8 Program offers two options.
- Sign up for project-based housing to live in apartments set aside by the local public housing authority (PHA) for low-income households. Connecticut currently has more than 20,000 Section 8 apartments, also known as HUD apartments.
- Register for the Housing Choice Voucher Program if you are moderate low- or low-income. This program gives you the liberty of living in a privately rented home or apartment of your choosing. Keep in mind your landlord must be a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher Program to qualify. More than 70,000 apartments in Connecticut qualify for the low-income Housing Choice Voucher Program.
You must apply for Connecticut Section 8 to receive either of these services. Through Section 8 you will pay between 30 and 40 percent of the housing costs whether you are selected for the Housing Choice Voucher or project-based housing. You apply for both programs through your local PHA office.
If you are selected to receive Section 8 assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher Program you can choose from any eligible private rental housing. This includes single family homes, townhomes, apartments, condos, or congregate housing.
- The landlord of the rental property must participate in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program to be applicable.
- You will be required to sign a Housing Assistance Payments Contract for the landlord to apply your Section 8 assistance.
- As the renter, you are required to find the rental property. You will work directly with the landlord to handle lease agreements, renter responsibilities, property maintenance, and rent collection.
- The landlord will receive a subsidy from the Connecticut PHA to help pay for your rent. Typically, Section 8 will cover 60 to 70 percent of your total rent.
Who can Qualify for Section 8?
To qualify for Section 8 in Connecticut the primary factor is your income. You may qualify for Section 8 assistance if you and those over 18 in your household have a combined annual income that is considered low-income or moderate low-income.
- If you have a very low- or extremely low-income level, you are more likely to receive assistance. This is due to the PHA law that states 75 percent of funds must go to households with a very low- or extremely low-income, which is 30 percent lower than the median household income of your city or area.
- If your household income is more than 50 percent of the median income of your city or area, then you will not qualify for Connecticut Section 8.
Other qualifying factors that you will need to meet to be applicable for Section 8 include:
- Being a legal resident of Connecticut
- Being a permanent resident under the immigration status
- Your household assets, i.e. automobiles, savings accounts, retirement funds, home ownership, etc.
- Your monthly expenses
- Special needs circumstances, i.e. you have an individual who is disabled or elderly living in your household
These factors are taken into consideration regarding your ability to afford decent and safe housing in Connecticut. You may need to show documentation or verify information about these variables before you can apply.
How to Apply
Now that you are ready to begin the application process, find the closest PHA office to you and contact them directly. You can also apply at the nearest Department of Social Services. The PHA or SS agent will give you the application along with a list of documents needed to complete the application process. Examples of documents include:
- Proof of residency
- Social Security card
- US Passport
- Immigration green card
- Your banking account information
During the application process your PHA agent will likely contact your employer and previous landlords for more information. You may be required to complete an interview with your agent before your application is processed.
After the application is processed, you will receive notification on your status. Most likely you will be placed on a waiting list for a Section 8 apartment or the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The waiting lists in Connecticut may be closed now, but these lists are re-opened periodically. You can check the status of waiting lists in Connecticut online or in your local newspaper. When you are added to a waiting list you will receive notification from your PHA agent.
When you are approved into the Connecticut Section 8 Program, for either project-based housing or the Housing Choice Voucher Program, you will need to follow the rules to remain eligible:
- The Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental access for one year. If you comply with the terms of the lease you are eligible for a lease renewal under the Section 8 assistance program after 12 months.
- You will be expected to pay 30 to 40 percent of the rent and utilities, as predetermined by the PHA office.
If you have additional questions about the Connecticut Section 8 Program contact your state HUD office.