How do I apply for Section 8?
First, a person has to complete a Pre-Application for Section 8 during the time the Section 8 waiting list is open.
HUD funding determines when applications are accepted so please contact us or watch our website for updates on the waiting list.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Standards for eligibility are established by HUD guidelines and THA’s Section 8 Administrative Plan. These standards include whether a person qualifies for the “working preference”, income eligibility, and criminal history.
When names are pulled from the waiting list, applicants are screened for eligibility. This includes verifying the “working preference”, income, and a criminal background check of all adult members of the family to determine whether they have any drug related or violent criminal activity arrests or convictions.
What does it means to claim the “working preference”?
The Topeka Housing Authority uses an admissions preference for working families. This means rental assistance is first made available to families whose head of household, spouse or sole member is employed at any job for which wages are received on a regular basis. Applicants are given the benefit of the working family preference if the head of household or spouse, or sole member is age 62 or older, or is a person with a disability.
How do I know if I am income eligible?
The following Chart shows the Income Eligibility limits for 2010:
|
No. of Persons |
Income Ceiling for Section 8 Housing |
1 |
$21,550 |
2 |
$24,600 |
3 |
$27,700 |
4 |
$30,750 |
5 |
$33,250 |
6 |
$35,750 |
7 |
$38,150 |
8 |
$40,600 |
Must I work a minimum number of hours to qualify for the working preference?
No. Working is defined as any job for which you are receiving wages. You must, however, be working on a regular basis. Working a day or two occasionally would not qualify.
Who is eligible for the elderly and/or disabled status?
Elderly status is given to the Head or Household and/or spouse who is 62 years old or older. Disabled status is given to the Head of Household and/or spouse who is receiving SSI or SSDI for a disability or is certified by a doctor as disabled according to the federal definition of disabled.
How is the waiting list determined?
To assure that families on the waiting list for Section 8 rental assistance are served within a reasonable period of time, the Topeka Housing Authority may use a random selection process to determine in what order they will be served. At times when a sufficient number of vouchers are available, families will be served on a first-come-first-serve basis. Families claiming to qualify for an admission preference will be invited to submit an complete application as their names are drawn from the waiting list.
How can I find out what number I am on the waiting list?
Waiting list position information is available on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling (785) 357-8842, ext. 100.
What should I do if I move while on the Waiting List?
You must provide a written change of address within 10 business days of your move to THA. All mail sent by the Topeka Housing Authority is stamped “Return Service Requested”. This means the Post Office will not forward this mail even if a forwarding request is on file with the Post Office.
If a person fails to notify the Topeka Housing Authority in writing of a new address, they may be dropped from the Waiting List.
Address change forms are available in the THA Administrative Office, or you may click here. (I’ll send you an email with the form in PDF that can be linked here)
What happens if I claim a preference that I don’t really qualify for?
All preferences will be verified when anyone is pulled from the waiting list. If the claimed preference cannot be verified, the person will be dropped from the waiting list.
How many bedrooms will I be able to have?
According to THA guidelines, there should be no more than two persons per bedroom. Guidelines also state that a child of two years of age or younger can share a room with a parent; and, children of different sex can share a room until one reaches age five.
How does THA conduct background checks?
THA uses a variety of resources to complete background checks. This includes using Topeka Police Department resources, the Shawnee County District Court website, websites from other states and communities as well as various commercial companies that have resources to identify criminal history of applicants. Applicants that fail to provide accurate information are automatically denied.
How does THA verify income?
Employers, SRS, Banks, Pension Funds, etc. are contacted to verify income. In addition, HUD provides electronic access to various income sources to verify income. If applicants fail to report all income, they are automatically denied assistance.
No family or individual is denied the equal opportunity to apply for or receive program assistance on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, handicap or disability. |
