Learn About Section 8 Housing in Mississippi

Section 8 housing in Mississippi is very similar to the low income housing program. Both programs are run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and are meant to help low income Mississippi residents find and finance affordable housing. The local housing authority sets similar requirements for both programs, which primarily considers applicant’s income level. Low income house rentals in Mississippi work a little differently than the Section 8 vouchers.

Section 8 vouchers cover a substantial amount of the rent payment, if not paying for rent costs entirely. Low income house rentals offer discounted prices for tenants, but they still have to pay for most of the rent cost out of pocket. It is much easier for low income families to save up money while on Section 8. However, there are more low income houses available, and there is a higher turnover rate with low income housing. The Section 8 waiting list is much longer and applicants may have to wait years to be accepted into the program, while low income housing takes only a few weeks to grant approval. More specific information about Section 8 housing in Mississippi is covered in the following topics:
– Section 8 eligibility in Mississippi

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

Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Mississippi

What are the requirements for Section 8 housing in Mississippi? The Section 8 housing requirements vary depending on the county. One of the main requirements for Section 8 housing in Mississippi is income level. Income is divided into three brackets. Applicants fall into the extremely low income bracket when they earn less than 30 percent of the area’s median income. The very low income bracket is calculated at 50 percent below the area’s median income, and the low income bracket is 80 percent below median. Applicants that are in the extremely low or very low income bracket meet the minimum income requirement for Section 8. Any applicants wondering, “what are the qualifications for low income housing?” can use the same income levels as a basis for their eligibility. Applicants with other working adult household members will be calculated at a higher income level, since there are more individuals that can potentially earn an income.

Applicants wondering, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” will have to compare their income level to the specific county they want to apply for aid in. If an applicant earns too much income in one part of Mississippi, it is worth checking nearby counties to see if the median income is higher, making them eligible.

Another common question new applicants ask is, “What do I need to apply for Section 8 housing in Mississippi?” The initial application is short, and does not require the submittal of any documentation. The full Section 8 application is more detailed, and applicants will have to submit it with proper documentation.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 housing in Mississippi

It’s best to learn how to sign up for Section 8 housing in Mississippi before attempting to submit an application. The initial HUD section 8 application only requires applicants to provide basic information, including their income level, household size, employment status, and rental history. The initial Section 8 application allows applicants to register for Section 8 housing program benefits, but the full application requires more detailed information and supporting documentation.

After submitting the basic application, the applicant will have to meet with a housing authority agent. The agent will then look at the applicant’s documents. Required documents include pay stubs, banking statements, proof of employment, and proof of legal residency in the U.S. After meeting with a HUD agent, the applicant still has to meet with a landlord and go through another interview process before being able to sign a lease agreement.

Unlike the online application for low income housing, the Section 8 application has to be printed and filled out manually. Applicants can ask a housing authority agent to fill out the application on their behalf. It is possible to check status for Section 8 application by either going down to a HUD office, or checking online. Applicants that are approved for Section 8 housing are not guaranteed to receive housing, and may be placed on a Section 8 waiting list until approved housing becomes available.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Mississippi

When will the Section 8 waiting lists open in Mississippi? Information about Section 8 waiting lists is available online. It is important to check waiting list status for Section 8 often because waiting list openings vary by county. The Section 8 housing program application waiting list gets a number of applicants every year. In Mississippi, there are a limited amount of Section 8 properties that are available to tenants. Applicants will end up on the low income housing waiting list depending on the availability in county they live in.

The Section 8 housing waiting list 2016 might not have as housing openings available as the low income housing program, but Section 8 homes are usually located in better neighborhoods. Applicants that end up getting approved for Section 8 typically have more options when choosing a home as well.

Learn About Section 8 Denials in Mississippi

Applicants who are denied Section 8 benefits will receive a Section 8 denial letter, which will explain the specific reason for the applicant’s disqualification. The letter will also explain what to do if Section 8 application was denied. Applicants wondering how to appeal Section 8 denial, can get assistance from a HUD agent. The Section 8 denial appeal can only be files within 20 days of receiving the denial letter.

What are reasons for Section 8 denial? A list of Section 8 housing disqualifications can be found online. The most common reasons for Section 8 denial are criminal history, drug history, or receiving a negative review from a previous landlord. During the appeal process, a new committee will reevaluate the application.

Website: Local Offices.

State: Mississippi

Contact Information

  • Office Name/Address

    Jackson Field Office

    Dr. A. H. McCoy Federal Building

    100 West Capitol Street

    Room 910

    Jackson, MS 39269-1096

  • Manager

    JERRIE G. MAGRUDER

    Field Office Director

  • Phone/Fax

    (601) 965-4757

    Fax

    (601) 965-4773

    Email

  • Region/Regional Office

    Region IV

    Atlanta GA