The two most well-known programs for helping low income residents in Hawaii find affordable housing are Section 8 housing and low income housing. While both programs have the same purpose, they accomplish their goal in different ways. Low income house rentals are generally easier to get compared to Section 8 housing, which uses a voucher system. The Section 8 voucher covers a portion of the rent cost, while low income housing tenants still have to pay for their own rent. Even at a discounted price, many low income tenants have the majority of their income go into rental costs. Both programs have similar requirements and application processes. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for the Section 8 program. The housing authority runs many programs to help lower income families find affordable housing.

Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Hawaii

What are the requirements for Section 8 in Hawaii? Section 8 eligibility is a little different in Hawaii than other states. Applicants wondering “Do I qualify for section 8 housing?” are going to want learn the median income level for their area. Applicants who are homeless, were involuntarily displaced, or are victims of domestic abuse are eligible to apply for Section 8. The other qualifications are nearly identical to the qualifications for low income housing. What are the qualifications for low income housing in Hawaii? Applicants need to be in either the extremely low income bracket, or the very low income bracket in order to be eligible for Section 8.

Income brackets change depending on the county, and the number of people that are applying. For example, married couples will have a higher income bracket, since there are two people in the household that can work. Applicants who earn less than 30 percent of the surrounding area’s median income are in the extremely low income bracket. The very low bracket begins at 50 percent.

Another common question that applicants have is “what do I need to apply for Section 8 in Hawaii?” The application process for Section 8 is fairly straightforward, but there are multiple steps, as well as strict waiting periods. Applicants do not have to worry about bringing any official documentation when they fill out the initial application. However, applicants will have to provide information about their income, employment, family members, and past living situations on the first Section 8 application form.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the few states that has online applications available for Section 8. The application is similar to the online application for low income housing in Hawaii. The first part of the HUD Section 8 application asks for basic personal information to determine if an applicant is eligible for the program. An agent at the local housing authority can help teach applicants how to sign up for Section 8 if necessary. When applicants are getting ready to register for Section 8 housing program benefits, HUD will look at their income, household size, and past rental history. If everything checks out during this process, the applicants will be invited to an interview with a housing authority agent.

The interview is a very important part of the Section 8 process in Hawaii. During the interview, applicants must present the proper documentation to confirm the information provided on the initial application form for Section 8 housing in Hawaii. Some of the documents that applicants are required to bring include pay stubs, bank statements, and contact information for previous landlords. If the applicant is approved, he or she will have to arrange a final meeting with a potential landlord. During this meeting, the applicant and landlord will set up a lease agreement. At any point during the process, it is possible to check status for Section 8 application either online or with a local housing authority agent.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Hawaii

Every year, the Section 8 program receives thousands of applications. There are only a certain amount of homes available for Section 8 housing each year. Applicants have to be placed on a Section 8 housing program application waiting list in Hawaii. Many applicants wonder, when will the Section 8 waiting lists open in Hawaii? The Section 8 housing waiting list 2016 will open at different times during the year depending on the county and amount of available housing. It is possible to check waiting list status for Section 8 housing by contacting an HUD agent or by going online.

Compared to the low income housing waiting list, the Section 8 waiting list is much longer. Section 8 housing is more sought after because of the lower rent prices available with the voucher, and because Section 8 homes tend to be in better areas, making them more desirable.

Learn About Section 8 Denials in Hawaii

The Section 8 denial letter is very detailed and will explain the exact reasons why an applicant was rejected. It is possible to go through a Section 8 denial appeal in Hawaii. Applicants wondering what to do if a Section 8 application was denied will need to act quickly, as an appeal must be filed 20 days after receiving the rejection letter. Housing agents can teach applicants how to appeal Section 8 denial.

Applicants who choose to appeal a Section 8 denial will have to meet with a third party to discuss the reasons for disqualification. Applicants who want to know what are the reasons for Section 8 denial in Hawaii can find a full list of disqualifications online. Common reasons for Section 8 housing disqualifications in Hawaii include having a criminal past, being involved in drug activity, or receiving a negative review from a previous landlord.

Website: Local Offices.

State: Hawaii