Application Instructions for Colorado Section 8

Step 1

For residents interested in Colorado Section 8 this program is administered by the Colorado Division of Housing (CDH). This program provides affordable and safe housing for Colorado residents who meet low-income standards. Through the program, you can apply for:

• Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program provides a financial subsidy that is paid to your landlord. This subsidy allows you to afford safe, secure housing in Colorado. When you apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program you must meet low-income requirements, and be admitted into a lottery system.

This program uses a lottery system to select residents to live in Colorado Section 8 housing. This is due to the high demand of affordable housing assistance in this state. To get your name in the lottery you will have to apply for Section 8 assistance. The lottery system is announced in local newspapers so you are aware of when the CDH is selecting the next households to be in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The lottery numbers are valid for one year after receipt. Therefore, you are encouraged to re-apply for Section 8 assistance every year to keep your name in the lottery system. If you are selected via the lottery system you will be responsible for finding a privately-owned residence to rent.

You are free to select single family dwellings, apartments, townhomes, or condos. The rent must be reasonable. Additionally, the home must meet safety and sanitary standards of the CDH. It will be inspected by the CDH prior to your living there under the Section 8 program. The landlord must participate in the Section 8 HCV program and follow all guidelines required by the CDH. This allows you to live in the community of your choice, which means you do not have to live in project-based or subsidized housing.

You pay your landlord the rent, while the Section 8 program provides the owner with a subsidy to cover the difference. You will be responsible for paying up to 30 percent of the total rent cost. Additionally, you may be able to use the Housing Choice Voucher to pay for a purchased home.

Who can Qualify for Section 8?

You may qualify for Colorado Section 8 if you are a low-income household, or have someone living with you whom is elderly or disabled. The amount of subsidy you receive for the Housing Choice Voucher Program will depend on your household income. The low-income, very low-income, and extremely low-income limits for Colorado residents are found in the Income Limits Summary. Check to see if you pre-qualify for Section 8 assistance based on the income guideline.

Other qualifiers for the Housing Choice Voucher Program include:

• Age
• Household composition, i.e. how many adults are living with you, what is the number of children, etc.
• Nationality
• Current residency status in the state of Colorado
• Criminal background
• Rental history

How to Apply

In Colorado, you will submit a pre-application available at your local housing authority office. If your pre-application is approved, then your name is placed in the lottery system and you will receive your lottery number. Randomly throughout the year lottery numbers are drawn for households to be eligible to apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. You can submit your pre-application to more than one public housing authority location. The more locations you pre-apply at, the better your chances of getting selected. When your number is selected, you will receive notification within 120 days of the drawing date.

Once you are selected, the next step is to apply for Colorado Section 8. You will receive the application from your PHA office where your lotter number was selected. To complete the application, you will need the following documentation:

• Paycheck stubs and/or latest tax returns
• Birth certificates for all in your household

You will be required to complete an interview with the PHA agent monitoring your application process. Afterward you will receive a letter notifying you of an approval or rejection. If you are approved you will receive your Housing Choice Voucher within 60 days. You will need to find an affordable rental in Colorado as soon as possible.

If you would like to learn more about the Housing Choice Voucher Program or lottery system in Colorado for Section 8, contact the CDH.