Application Instructions for Ohio Section 8
Step 1
In Ohio individuals and households without safe and affordable housing have hope. Section 8 services in Ohio are available thanks to the combined efforts of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and local metropolitan housing authorities (MHAs). You can find affordable housing thanks to public housing units, or by receiving a subsidy to help you pay for rent. The programs available via Ohio Section 8 include:
- The Housing Choice Voucher program
- Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program
Under the HUD guidelines for the Housing Choice Voucher program you pay up to 30 percent of your income on rent, while the remaining amount is paid to your landlord through a Section 8 subsidy. This program allows you to live where you want through privately-owned rental properties. Note that the property you rent must be approved according to HUD standards. Additionally, your landlord must be actively involved and approved for the Ohio Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program gives preference to the very low-income and extremely low-income applicants. If you or someone in your household is homeless, a military veteran, disabled, or elderly, you will also receive priority. This program provides you with public housing managed by the HUD and local MHAs. Your housing includes a flat rate that is determined when you apply for Ohio Section 8. This amount will require you to pay up to 30 percent of your adjusted income for rent. If your household income increases or goes down you will need to notify your MHA office immediately to adjust your benefits.
Both of these programs require you to apply for Ohio Section 8 benefits, but first you need to see if you qualify.
Who can Qualify for Section 8?
Receiving Section 8 benefits in Ohio requires you to meet certain guidelines. The main variable is your income, as your household must meet the minimum limits according to the Ohio income limit summary. If you are currently homeless or involuntarily displaced then you will also qualify, as well as receive priority placement.
You must also be at least 18 to apply for Section 8 programs, as well as currently living in Ohio. Other factors as required by HUD guidelines include:
- The adults in your household must be screened using a criminal background check, and no one should be convicted of drug or sexual offenses.
- Your household rental history must be in good standing currently and with previous landlords.
- If you have received Section 8 assistance in the past, you must prove that you had a good standing with your MHA.
- Everyone must be an American citizen or a naturalized immigrant without any offenses in this country.
How to Apply
If you feel that your household meets the qualifications for Ohio Section 8, then you are ready to apply for services. The first step is to find the nearest metropolitan housing authority. Contact the MHA to receive an application for Section 8 assistance. You will most likely be placed on a waitlist after you submit your application. Currently the waitlists in Ohio include:
- 12 Housing Choice Voucher program waitlists are open or not closing soon
- 47 metropolitan housing authorities waitlists are open now for tenant-based rental assistance housing
When you apply for a Section 8 program waitlist be prepared to wait for a long time if your service area is in high demand for affordable housing. However, depending on your financial situation and household composition you may receive priority placement. When you receive confirmation that your application has been taken off the waitlist, you will be required to complete the process. This will require an interview with your MHA officer in order to verify your application information.
Once you have been approved for housing you will need to find affordable rental units in Ohio if you are provided with a Housing Choice Voucher. Residents moving into tenant-based rental units will be instructed on their new residence address and with move-in information.
In order to find out more about Section 8 in Ohio contact your local HUD office at the Cleveland Field Office or Columbus Field Office.