How to Qualify and Apply for New Mexico Section 8

Application Instructions for New Mexico Section 8

Step 1

Individuals and families in need of housing, or affordable housing, in New Mexico can apply for Section 8 services. These services are directed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered locally through public housing authorities. There are 34 housing authorities in New Mexico offering either low-rent assistance or public housing via Section 8 programs. These programs include:

Public housing services
Housing Choice Voucher program

Public housing is available to elderly, disabled, or homeless households. Additionally, HUD requires households involuntarily displaced to be given preference for public housing. This program requires you to live in project-based housing set aside for Section 8 residents. The rent rates are pre-set, and you must live in the housing complex chosen for you in your public housing authority service area. If you decide to move, you risk losing your New Mexico Section 8 benefits.

The Housing Choice Voucher program is suited for households that can find their own housing among privately-owned properties. It is for low-income households that cannot afford housing. As such, your household must meet certain income limits to qualify. The rental property you choose must be within your PHA service area. Also, the landlord must be approved to offer Section 8 assistance. Your benefits will be paid directly to the landlord via a subsidy. Your household will then be responsible for paying up to 30 percent of your adjusted income. This income is adjusted to allow you to afford basic necessities and utilities.

To get started with the application process for New Mexico Section 8 services, you need to self-qualify for services.

Who can Qualify for Section 8?

To begin the self-qualification process for New Mexico Section 8, check your household income according to the income limits summary. Your household must not exceed the low-income limit for your household size. If you pass this qualifying factor, then you may be eligible for services.

Other considerations include your residency status, criminal record, and rental history. For starters, everyone in your household must be either a US citizen or naturalized immigrant with permanent residency status. You must also be currently living in New Mexico when applying for Section 8. All of this information must be documented in the form of IDs, Social Security cards, birth certificates, etc., and you will be required to provide this information.

Your finances will be examined, and you will be required to provide information about your income, banking accounts, and loans. Additionally, your public housing authority agent will request contact information for previous and current landlords. If you have a history of Section 8 services, you must have a good standing account with the program.

How to Apply

The application process for New Mexico Section 8 services begins with pre-applying to a waitlist. There are waitlists in every PHA and for both the Housing Choice Voucher and public housing programs. You are welcome to apply to as many waitlists as you want, but you will have to live in the area where your application is accepted. There is the option to move out or port out of your district, but you must contact your PHA office for more information.

To get started, check out the open and closed waitlists in New Mexico:

There are 25 waitlists for public housing services in New Mexico, and at least 19 are currently closed.
There are 23 waitlists for the Housing Choice Voucher program in the state, and seven are currently open.

You will need to contact the affiliated public housing authority where the waitlist is located to pre-apply. You may be on the waitlist for months, if not years, before your name is selected. At the time when your name is chosen from a waitlist you will be required to submit a more advanced application. This application will include the criminal background check and documentation to prove your household income and composition.

If you are chosen for public housing your PHA officer will provide you with the information regarding your new address. For HCV recipients, you need to find affordable housing in New Mexico that meets Section 8 requirements.

Concerned with the waitlists or application process? Get additional information from your HUD representative at the Albuquerque Field Office in New Mexico.