Application Instructions for Idaho Section 8

Step 1

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) are teamed up to provide low-income housing assistance for Idaho residents. Through the Idaho Section 8 Program the state offers the following services:

• Housing Choice Voucher Program
• Low-income public housing

The goal of these services is to provide affordable and safe housing for rent for disabled, elderly and/or low-income individuals.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program serves 34 counties in Idaho. Under this program, you are required to pay 30 percent of the adjusted gross income of your household on rent and utilities. The IHFA provides a subsidy that is sent directly to your landlord to cover the remaining 70 percent of your living expenses. Currently the wait list for the Housing Choice Voucher Program in Idaho is up to 2 years. However, this depends on the location and housing needs where you are residing.

As part of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, participants are eligible for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. This program is completely voluntary for Section 8 recipients. Through the program, which includes a five-year contract, households work with FSS specialists to set life goals. These goals, such as job training, money management courses, are accomplished by working with your FSS specialist.

• If you participate and complete the FSS program, you will get a savings account, interest-bearing, that includes excess rental monies earned by achieving your household’s goals.

Low-income public housing is available throughout Idaho in 463 housing complexes. More than 2,700 units, also known as HUD apartments, are set aside for subsidized housing through Section 8 specifically. Additionally, nearly 21,000 units are noted as affordable housing options. Although these units are not part of Idaho Section 8 directly, they offer affordable accommodations for cities with extensive wait lists for Section 8 services.

Who can Qualify for Section 8?

To qualify for Idaho Section 8, you must meet all the eligibility requirements of HUD, as well as the IHFA:

• You must be a full-time resident of Idaho.
• You are a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident.
• Your criminal background is free of drug or sexual offenses.
• You have a clean rental record and have never been evicted from Section 8 housing.

When you apply for Section 8 your PHA agent will also want to conduct a thorough review of:

• Adjusted gross income of all household members over 18
• Family composition, i.e. do you have any household members who are elderly or disabled

As for the income requirement your household must meet the low-income, very low-income, or extremely low-income limits to be eligible. You will be eligible to receive housing assistance that equals your rent plus utilities, minus 30 percent of your adjusted income. If you meet the income requirement for low-income, then you qualify to apply for Section 8 in Idaho.

How to Apply

Apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program at the Idaho Housing Branch PHA office in your region. There are offices located in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Lewiston, and Coeur d’Alene. Choose the application for rental assistance that is applicable to your county of residence.

Complete the application and provide all necessary proof of residency, citizenship, and income. You may also be interviewed by a PHA agent prior to receiving a letter stating whether you are accepted into Section 8. At this point you will be placed on a waiting list or provided with a Housing Choice Voucher. If you are provided with public housing assistance, then you will receive information on your new rental apartment. Once you are accepted for Section 8 services you will be reviewed annually to recertify your household for the program.

If you have any questions during the Idaho Section 8 application process contact:

• Idaho Public Housing Authority in your region
• The Boise Field Office for HUD

These offices will be able to provide you with clarification and direction as needed when applying for Idaho Section 8 Program benefits.