Section 8 housing in Kentucky is a program designed to assist low income individuals and families find safe and affordable housing. Also known as low income housing, Section 8 is handled by the Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD. HUD develops guidelines used nationally, but a local housing authority is responsible for administering affordable housing at the state level. Qualified KY residents who receive public housing benefits can apply housing vouchers toward low-income house rentals or apartments that comply with HUD guidelines.

Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Kentucky

What are the requirements for Section 8 in Kentucky? Affordable housing eligibility in Kentucky is determined by factors that include annual household income, household size and ages of family members, citizenship status, as well as criminal background and rental history. What are the qualifications for low income housing? HUD uses the median family income of a county or urban area to determine if the applicant meets financial requirements. Median family income level varies by location, and each county housing authority will verify affordable housing applications based on the median income for the area served. The following categories are used to classify applicants:

• Low-income bracket: Applicants earning less than 80 percent of the area’s median income
• Very low-income bracket: Households that earn less than 50 percent of the median income
• Extremely low-income bracket: Households making less 30 percent of the median income

Applicants with the least amount of income are given priority if all other qualifications are met. Another factor used to determine eligibility is family demographics. Households with senior citizens, veterans or an individual with a disability with be given preference, as will a household that has been displaced due to a natural disaster or other crisis. Households with a member who has a recent criminal charge can be disqualified from receiving public housing aid. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or a legal permanent resident. “What do I need to apply for Section 8 housing?” is often asked by low income Kentucky residents who are unfamiliar with affordable housing. The local housing authority will require a great deal of documentation from all household members. Required information and supporting documents include names, sex, dates of birth, relationship to the applicant and current contact information. Family circumstances that might give a household preferential qualification and rental history information will also be gathered. Proof of family income in the form of bank statements, pay stubs or tax returns will also be needed for the application. Additionally, a local housing authority representative may visit your home to evaluate your current housing status. Potential public housing applicants wondering, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” should evaluate their current situation using the requirements set by the HUD to determine if they are eligible to apply for affordable housing aid. Keep in mind that the HUD takes all household members into consideration when determining Section 8 eligibility. Evidence of criminal behavior or a poor rental history might disqualify an application.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Kentucky

Any Kentucky resident who meets the Section 8 qualifications can register for affordable housing program benefits with the local housing authority. Some housing authorities have an online application for low income housing. Applications filed online will have detailed instructions on how to sign up for Section 8. On the other hand, some housing authorities only accept applications in person or via mail. Contact the housing authority for application submission rules and regulations. Applicants who want to learn how to apply for public housing can contact the local housing authority and meet with an agent. Once an HUD public housing application is submitted, the local housing authority will begin verifying the information and documents provided. Applicants can check status for affordable housing application after 15 days, though the housing authority may take longer to review certain applications depending on caseload or difficulties verifying the information. Once the housing authority reaches an eligibility decision, the applicant will receive either an approval or denial letter. If an application is accepted and housing is available, the housing authority will issue a voucher, otherwise, the applicant will be added to the waitlist.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Kentucky

Housing authorities maintain a Section 8 housing program waiting list that provides the most up-to-date and accurate information about available housing. Applicants should contact the housing authority to check the waiting list status for affordable housing on a regular basis, and update any changes in information as necessary. Applicants can be removed from a low income housing waiting list if the information provided on the housing application is found to be out of date. When will the public housing waitlists open? Some waiting lists are open indefinitely, while others are so long that applicants must wait years before receiving a voucher. Check with the housing authority to learn more about housing availability within the county. If an applicant is not on the affordable housing waiting list 2016 he or she should contact the housing authority about the matter.

Learn About Section 8 Denials in Kentucky

A Section 8 denial letter is sent to applicants who have been denied affordable housing aid. What are the reasons for public housing denial? Section 8 denial can occur for many reasons, including submitting an incomplete application or having a criminal history. The denial letter will explain why the applicant was denied specifically. An applicant can opt to file affordable housing denial appeal if he or she believes the denial was unjustified, and then the application will be reevaluated by a different committee. Many public housing disqualifications result from erroneous or unverifiable application information. Applicants should ask the housing authority what to do if affordable housing application was denied. An HUD agent can be made available to help teach applicants how to appeal public housing denial. Website: Local Offices. State: Kentucky