Learn About Section 8 Housing in Alabama

Section 8 housing in Alabama is a program that offers low income housing assistance to low-income families, the elderly and the disabled. Distributed by the AL HUD office, this program is funded by the federal government. The main focus of Section 8 is to offer low income house rentals to those who need it. For more information about the program, take a look at the following sections:

  • Section 8 eligibility in Alabama
  • How to apply for Section 8 housing in Alabama
  • Information about Section 8 waiting lists in Alabama
  • Section 8 denials in Alabama


Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Alabama

“What are the requirements for Section 8 in Alabama?” is a common question asked by residents of the state. To be eligible for Section 8 housing, there are a few requirements that must be met, which are based on three factors. For those wondering, “What are the qualifications for low income housing?” an applicant must meet the standards for: gross family income, area of residence and nationality. An applicant’s gross family income should not exceed 50 percent of the country’s main median income to qualify for Section 8 housing.

If you find yourself asking, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing based on income?” the answer depends on where you live and the number of people in your household, including minors. An Alabama Section 8 applicant must live within an area that is under the jurisdiction of the housing authority providing the assistance.

In addition, to qualify for AL Section 8 housing, an applicant must also be a resident of the state of Alabama and a United States citizen, or he or she must have the appropriate visa documentation. This documentation must be provided for every adult residing in the home. Social Security Numbers are also required for verification. Furthermore, criminal records are checked to determine the eligibility of an applicant. Any petitioner that is required to register as a sexual offender will not be able to qualify for Section 8 housing.

Alabama Section 8 applicants with children who are younger than the age of 18 will be given priority when it comes to Section 8 housing in Alabama. With each additional person that is living in a household, the dollar amounts awarded will increase.

Applicants asking a slightly different question, such as “What do I need to apply for Section 8 in Alabama?” must keep the following in mind. All Section 8 petitioners must provide appropriate documentation, including a birth certificate, proof of their income, government paperwork (if they receive SNAP or TANF) and a Social Security card, when applying. No one automatically receives AL Section 8 eligibility after submitting an application and the necessary documentation. All accepted applicants will be notified by the HUD when vouchers are available, and from there, the verification process will begin.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Alabama

Concerning how to sign up for Section 8 in Alabama, there are specific steps you must take. First off, to register for Section 8 housing program benefits, go down to the nearest HUD office available. There, you will have to complete an AL HUD Section 8 application and submit it, along with the necessary documentation mentioned above, to the HUD representative. In any case, an online application for low income housing is also available if you would prefer not to apply in person.

The last factor you should know about how to apply for Section 8 housing in Alabama concerns when you will receive your confirmation letter. This document should come in the mail within two weeks, detailing your eligibility (or lack thereof) and when rental assistance benefits will begin, if you are accepted.

As mentioned before, the HUD Section 8 application can take a minimum of two weeks to be processed. However, if an applicant has not received any status updates within that two-week timespan, then he or she can call the HUD office to ask for information. On the other hand, to check status for Section 8 applications that were submitted online, you must go back to the website and submit an inquiry form.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Alabama

“When will the Section 8 waiting lists open in Alabama?” is another commonly asked question within the state. This is because Section 8 housing program application waiting list times vary greatly depending on the residential area of the applicant and the number of petitioners who are currently on the state’s list. The Section 8 housing waiting list 2016 for the state of Alabama has such a high influx of applicants that current wait times can run as long as several years before vouchers become available.

The Alabama low income housing waiting list was created due to the fact that only a certain number of vouchers are handed out each year. The way vouchers work is that when someone leaves the program, a voucher becomes available. Recent information about Section 8 waiting lists shows that wait times are high, given the high demand for vouchers and the low number of applicants leaving the Section 8 housing program. In any case, to check waiting list status for Section 8 availability in your area, contact the HUD office that processed your Section 8 application.

Learn About Section 8 Denials in Alabama

A formal AL Section 8 denial letter will arrive in the mail in the event that an applicant is denied Section 8 housing. Concerning what are the reasons for Section 8 denial in Alabama, there are many Section 8 housing disqualifications to consider before you apply for the program. The most common reasons for disqualification are low credit scores, not providing the proper documentation, involvement in criminal activity, being behind on child support payments and having defaulted on current rental commitments.

If you are wondering what to do if your Section 8 application was denied, your best option is to file an Alabama Section 8 denial appeal. The process for how to appeal Section 8 denials requires you to fill out certain forms and resubmit the appropriate documents to your nearest HUD office.

Website: Local Offices.

State: Alabama

Contact Information

  • Office Name/Address

    Birmingham Field Office 950 22nd Street North Suite 900

    Birmingham, AL 35203-5302

  • Manager

    MICHAEL GERMAN

    Field Office Director

  • Phone/Fax

    Phone (205) 731-2617

    Fax (205) 731-2593

  • Region/Regional Office

    Region IV

    Atlanta GA