The Section 8 housing program in Montana is directed locally by the Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC). The program is designed to provide affordable housing rentals to low income families, the disabled and the elderly, and assist these individuals to find safe housing options within the state of Montana. The Montana Section 8 program is administered by the housing authority in each county and uses funding provided by the federal government to provide housing vouchers to those in need of affordable housing. Low income housing applicants may review a list of program qualifications at the local HUD offices or online to see if they are eligible.

Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Montana

“Do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” is a popular question among many new applicants, as well as “What do I need to apply for low income housing in my area?” Both questions have similar answers and involve proving to the local and federal government that a need exists and the applicant is qualified to receive aid. What are the requirements for Section 8? Public housing eligibility guidelines stipulate that the petitioner must qualify for the program on several different factors. First, the potential applicant must have an income level and assets that fall at least 30 percent below the median average for the area. Applicants wondering, “What are the qualifications for low income housing in my area?” should know that aside from income, the county requires that the petitioner and all members of the household have a clean criminal record. Finally, to obtain affordable housing eligibility, applicants must be prepared to show proof of income and citizenship status, as well as supply a copy of the most current tax returns, banking statements, social security numbers and other federal aid papers for each full-time household member. If an applicant has served in the military and is currently receiving federal or state benefits, documentation of that aid must also be provided. Counties may impose additional conditions on voucher disbursement, including denying vouchers to registered sexual offenders and those who are behind on child support or rent payments to their current landlord.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Montana

Most new applicants in Montana need to learn how to sign up for Section 8 housing. The local housing authority can assist first-time applicants with the appropriate paperwork. An online application for low income housing in Montana is also available for those who prefer to fill out the application at home. Applicants can then print out the application and take it to the local housing office in person. Once there, the applicant can register for low income housing program assistance by turning in the completed forms. Once the application has been submitted, the petitioner will have to wait for a response from the local offices. Processing time for the HUD affordable housing application in Montana can take up to 15 days or more, so petitioners are urged to exercise patience. After 15 days petitioners can check status for low income housing application forms by going online or calling the office where the application was submitted. A letter detailing program acceptance or denial will arrive via USPS. The applicant will receive a personal identification number which will be used in all correspondences, either online or in person.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Montana

This year, the Section 8 housing waiting list is accessible to petitioners who have submitted an application. Qualified applicants who are waiting for vouchers to become available can check their position on the waiting list by going online or by submitting a request form through the mail. When will the low income housing waiting lists open in a petitioner’s county? Currently, certain counties are accepting applications, while others are not. The MDOC maintains a current waiting list by county. The MT low income housing waiting list in specific counties will display how many vouchers are available, how many vouchers have already been assigned, and where exactly in the county those vouchers can be used. The affordable housing program application waiting list can be lengthy depending on which county the applicant resides. When a participating apartment or home becomes available, the next qualifying name on the list is contacted. The best way to check waiting list status for public housing in MT is to call the owner of the property, as low income housing properties are privately owned and managed. Additional information about Section 8 waiting lists is available through MDOC, the participating properties, and online.

Learn About Section 8 Denials in Montana

A Section 8 denial letter will be issued within 15-30 days after the initial application is submitted. What are the reasons for low income housing denial? In Montana, the most common reason for affordable housing denial is that a family’s income is too high, or the documents required have not been submitted correctly. In these cases, an applicant can submit an appeal. A Section 8 denial appeal must be submitted within 10 days of the public housing disqualifications, or the case will not be heard. There are several ways to find out how to appeal low income housing denial rulings in Montana. First, the applicant should contact the owner of the dwelling that he or she is interested in. The MDOC also provides assistance to petitioners. Those who are wondering what to do if Section 8 application was denied may refer to their original denial letter, which gives instructions on following steps, or they can contact legal representation. Website: Local Offices. State: Montana