Low-income individuals and families apply for Section 8 housing in Maryland in order to receive financial assistance towards quality, affordable housing rental units. However, learning how to sign up for Section 8 goes beyond simply filling out a Section 8 application. For instance, applicants who sign up for HUD housing should know ahead of time the eligibility requirements established by the Public Housing Agency (PHA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Initial eligibility criteria for those who wish to register for Section 8 housing program benefits begins with income limits. There is plenty of misinformation regarding how to apply for housing assistance, so it is important for applicants to learn a few key pieces of information in advance.

Learn When to Submit HUD Section 8 Applications in Maryland

A key part in learning how to apply for housing assistance in Maryland involves knowing when to submit a Section 8 application into the system. One of the most common misconceptions regarding when to sign up for HUD housing involves the assumption that applicants can sign up any time throughout the year. In reality, PHA offices open and close in accordance with the number of vouchers available and applications received. Finding out if and when your local PHA accepts Section 8 applications is one of the most important parts of applying. Applicants who wish to sign up for HUD housing should select the area they wish to live and then research nearby PHA offices to see which are accepting applications. For example, the Baltimore housing authority allows applicants to sign up for HUD housing, but those accepted will be placed on a waiting list. Meanwhile, applicants may not submit a Section 8 application to another county’s housing authority if it has closed its waiting list until further notice. Find out more about what may disqualify an applicant from Section 8 benefits by downloading our guide.

Learn How to Sign up for Section 8 Benefits in Maryland

First and foremost, understanding how to apply for Section 8 housing in Maryland means knowing what details the Section 8 application process entails. In other words, applicants should know in advance how to sign up for HUD housing at more than one PHA office in order to reduce the overall wait time and potentially increase their chances of finding a home. Another tip for applicants to sign up for HUD housing is to determine the application process for each PHA office they are considering. For instance, while certain PHA offices may allow applicants to register for Section 8 housing program benefits in the office, others may allow applications online. The online Section 8 application is by far the simplest way to apply for the Section 8 program. With all prepared documentation and information, applicants can usually sign up for HUD housing within minutes if applying online. Each office will establish the requirements for a Section 8 application submission and it is the applicant’s job to follow those requirements as best as possible. As mentioned above, learning how to apply for housing assistance means gathering the prepared documentation and information for the application process to proceed with ease. Some of the most pertinent information that a Section 8 application requires from applicants includes:

• The household size.
• Income verification for the entire household.
• Current bank statements and pay stubs.
• Social Security cards for each member of the household.
• Photo identification of each member of the household.
• Referrals or references from previous landlords.

Adults who sign up for HUD housing may also be subject to both a background check and credit check during the application process. Prior to submitting a Section 8 application, it is important to have all the necessary documents and information on hand and ready to go.

Learn How to Check the Status of Your Section 8 Application in Maryland

After learning how to apply for Section 8 housing in Maryland and filling out a Section 8 application, what happens next? For applicants who sign up for HUD housing online, it may be as simple as signing back into the online dashboard to verify any status updates. Those who register for Section 8 housing program benefits in person or by mailing in an application may be able to check the status of the application by contacting the local PHA offices. It is important to keep in mind, those who sign up for HUD housing and have certain outliers to their Section 8 application may receive preference on the waiting list. Preferences include but are not limited to applicants who:

• Are veterans or live with a veteran.
• Are disabled or elderly.
• Live or work in the county in which they are applying.
• Are enrolled in a full-time educational or vocational training program.

Applicants who register for Section 8 housing program benefits without any of the above-mentioned priorities will be placed on a waiting list according to the date and time that the Section 8 application was submitted. While it is impossible to know when the PHA offices will advise applicants of the status, claimants will be notified regardless of approval. Applicants who sign up for HUD housing and are notified for being denied into the program may have the chance to reapply when the waiting list reopens in the future, but are encouraged not to contact the local PHA office regarding their denial. To learn more about Section 8, download our guide