Application Instructions for Oklahoma Section 8
Step 1
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding for Oklahoma Section 8 programs. These programs are managed by the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) and administered locally by public housing authorities. Individuals and families in need of safe housing or rent assistance can apply for the following Section 8 programs:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program
- Project-Based Contract Administration (PBCA) program
Through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program households receive financial assistance to make renting more affordable in Oklahoma. You get to choose where you live and the home you will rent, as long as it meets HUD and OHFA safety and health standards. Your rent is equivalent to 30 percent of your household’s adjusted gross income. The rest of the rental expense is covered by the HCV in the form of a subsidy that is paid to your landlord.
The Project-Based Contract Administration program is for individuals and families that have been displaced or unable to find housing. If you are currently or will soon be homeless, then this is the program to best serve your housing needs. You can also receive priority for Project-Based Contract Administration program housing if you are elderly or disabled. Additionally, those who have lost their housing involuntarily, such as from domestic violence, can receive preference in this Section 8 program.
If you are interested in applying for Oklahoma Section 8 you will need to qualify as a household.
Who can Qualify for Section 8?
By reviewing the qualifications for Section 8, you can ensure that your application will most likely be approved. This can save you a lot of time especially if you are placed on a waitlist.
The first part of the application process involves reviewing your household income. Your income must meet the low-income limits according to the Oklahoma income limits summary. Check the income limit that matches your household size to see if you qualify.
If you pass the income limit test the next part of the application process involves your household composition. Your household must meet the following HUD guidelines to be eligible for Section 8:
- At least one person is over 18, which is the minimum age for applying to Section 8 programs.
- All members are US citizens or permanent residents in good standing with immigration.
- All members must pass a criminal background check and be free of drug or sexual convictions.
- All members must prove their income, unless they are elderly, disabled or under 18.
- Your household must have good standing with your current and previous landlords.
Also, if you have received Oklahoma Section 8 services in the past, your history with the program will be taken into consideration during the application process. If you have a negative history of missing payments or being late with your rent with other Section 8 providers, this could harm your chances of getting approved.
How to Apply
To start the application process you need to locate the nearest public housing authority and contact the office. They will provide you with the application and instructions for completing the application process. After you submit your application your household will be added to a waitlist. In Oklahoma the waitlists that are open include:
- 15 waitlists for the Housing Choice Voucher program
- 81 waitlists for the Project-Based Contract Administration program
Apply for a waitlist for the HCV program that provides service in your neighborhood. Also, choose the waitlist that serves the area where you want to live under the PBCA program. Before you are selected for affordable housing in Oklahoma you will be required to complete an interview. During this interview the agent will go through all of your documentation and proof of your household composition. Answer all of the questions and provide any additional information as soon as possible to ensure your application is not lost in the process.
During the application process if you have any questions or concerns reach your HUD representative at the Oklahoma Field Office or Tulsa Field Office.