Don’t Just “Wait” For Your Section 8 Voucher. Do These 6 Things

What does it mean when you get placed on a Section 8 waitlist? Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean that you’re home free just yet. Instead, it’s a sign that you qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher. What’s next? Waiting until one becomes available so you can use it to get affordable rent.

Just how affordable can a Housing Choice Voucher make your rent? Very, as you’ll only have to pay around 30 percent of your income to the landlord, while the voucher will take care of the rest.

What’s the main downside with vouchers? The long wait you may experience until you finally get to use yours. And depending on where you’re looking to live, that wait could take multiple years.

To make your wait a bit more bearable, follow these tips. Not only can they help you avoid any unnecessary delays, but they can also give you some peace of mind until that Housing Choice Voucher is yours.

1. Check on your voucher’s status.

There are two main ways to check the status of your Housing Choice Voucher. The first is to call your Public Housing Agency (PHA) every two to three months. When you do, ask them to confirm that you’re still on the waitlist. Then ask if you’ve been moving up at all.

The second way to check your voucher status is to use the Waitlistcheck website from the HUD. By staying on top of your situation using these two methods, you won’t have the anxiety that comes with not knowing where you stand.

2. Try other waitlists.

Some waitlists are slower than others. A lot of this has to do with the supply and demand for vouchers in the area. To avoid depending on just one waitlist and PHA, apply to several when they are open. This will increase your chances of getting a voucher quicker.

3. Avoid delays.

An error in your application could result in a delay that’s not your fault. Mistakes can happen, so you’ll need to be on the lookout for correspondence from your PHA via phone, mail, or email. As soon as you get it, respond, so you don’t end up wasting time. And whenever there is correspondence, take notes and document it. You may need it later on if there’s an issue.

4. Provide updates as needed.

Your PHA needs to know if anything changes with your household’s income, family composition, location, immigration status, etc. All of these factors can impact your voucher, so if anything changes, update your PHA as soon as possible.

5. Get support.

Sitting on a Section 8 waitlist can trigger anxiety, especially if you need help with paying the rent now. To combat this, look for Section 8 Facebook Groups and message boards online. You can connect with others in your situation, gain support, and learn more about how Section 8 works. All of those benefits can help make time fly by a bit quicker.

6. Don’t give up.

Can it take a long time to get a Section 8 voucher, even if you qualify? Sure, but remember why you’re waiting in the first place: To make rent affordable well into the future.

Do everything possible to fix your finances until your voucher becomes available. This includes cutting costs, moving somewhere cheaper, getting a second job, etc.