The Section 8 housing program in Maine is federally operated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, and administered by various agencies at the state level. The local housing authority is responsible for determining applicant eligibility and assisting applicants fill out the forms. The Section 8 program offers low income housing, and the local housing authorities maintain a waiting list of eligible applicants in the county. Low income house rentals are located throughout the state of Maine, and currently have many openings. Nearly 3,800 low income households are assisted each month in Maine. The ME Section 8 housing program is further discussed in the topics below:

• Section 8 requirements in Maine
• How to apply for Section 8 housing in Maine
• Information about Section 8 waiting lists in Maine
• Section 8 denials in Maine

Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Maine

Section 8 eligibility requirements are different for each county in Maine. Income restrictions are based on what the median annual household income is for that county. Fluctuations and differences between income limits can vary from one county to the next.

What are the qualifications for low income housing in ME? In Maine, there are three main qualification categories that are considered when evaluating an applicant. First, an applicant’s total household income level must fall within a pre-set limit. Household size and the age of children are also considered, as are the inclusion of family members who are elderly, pregnant or have disabilities. In order to qualify for Section 8 in ME, the applicant’s income level must fall below the area’s median annual salary by at least 50 to 80 percent.

What are the requirements for section 8? In addition to income and household size, the applicant must have at least one person in the family who is a U.S. citizen, preferably the applicant. Section 8 applicants must also reside within the county where the application is being submitted. Petitioners who believe they would meet the income restrictions in another county are urged to move to that county ahead of submission and apply once they have established residency.

After reading the Section 8 eligibility requirements, many potential applicants ask themselves, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” A person will qualify for Section 8 if he or she and the family household meet income and citizenship requirements and have clean background checks. Applicants or household members who have engaged in criminal activity, have a known history of alcohol abuse, or owe money to the Maine Housing Authority, will not be eligible for Section 8 housing.

Once eligibility has been established, applicants often wonder, “What do I need to apply for Section 8 in Maine?” In the state of Maine, the initial application does not require corroborative documentation. After a pre-interview, the applicant will be asked to provide proof of income using tax returns, banking statements, or, in some instances, paystubs. Proof of citizenship and in-county residency in will also be required. Lastly, any irregularities that come up on the background check must be accounted for. Some counties also require military service records, SSI papers and any other federal aid documents that might indicate need. The homeless, disabled, and senior citizens are given top priority.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Maine

The online application for low income housing in Maine is made available through various housing authority websites. While application forms can be accessed online, they cannot be submitted digitally. Once completed, the application must be printed and mailed or submitted in person. Applicants who want to learn how to sign up for Section 8 housing in their county can ask for assistance at the housing authority office.

In order to register for Section 8 housing program assistance in Maine, applicants must receive help in person from a registered agent at the housing authority in their area. Correctly filling out the HUD Section 8 application is very important because failure to accurately complete the application can result in its rejection.

After the Section 8 housing application has been submitted, petitioners are asked to wait at least two weeks to allow for processing. When two weeks have passed, applicants may check status for Section 8 applications by calling the office where it was submitted, or inquire online. Many applicants will have received their confirmation or denial letters, in the mail by this time.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Maine

The Section 8 housing waiting list in ME is currently open and receiving applications. Applicants who meet the income, residency and background check requirements are added to the list. Vouchers are issued to applicants at the top of the list when approved housing becomes available.

The low income housing waiting list is different for each county in Maine, so applicants are urged to check waiting list status for Section 8 with their specific housing authority. The Section 8 housing program application waiting list is updated weekly, and applicants must continue to monitor the list to see when their name lies. Once an applicant’s name is at the top of the list, he or she will be contacted by phone and by mail.

For those living in counties where there are few Section 8 housing openings, the question becomes: When will the Section 8 waiting lists open? Once there is a vacancy in an approved dwelling, the next eligible family on the list will receive notification and vouchers will be issued.

Learn About Section 8 Denials in Maine

In the state of Maine, Section 8 disqualifications are issued when an applicant has not met the eligibility requirements for Section 8 inclusion. What are the reasons for Section 8 denial? Applicants who receive a Section 8 denial letter will have a complete listing of why their application was turned down for benefits. Many applicants get denied for filling out the forms incorrectly or incompletely, while others did not pass the required background check. The evaluation provided encompasses all adult family members, and not just the applicant.

Upon notification of disqualification, the petitioner may submit a Section 8 denial appeal to contest the ruling. Contacting the housing authority is a good first step as the agents there can tell the applicant what to do if Section 8 application was denied. The agent can also direct the applicant as to how to appeal Section 8 denials in their county, and how to proceed with the process. Section 8 denial appeals must be made within two weeks of receipt of the denial letter, or the housing authority will not accept an application resubmittal for a full year.

Website: Local Offices.

State: Maine