In Nebraska, Section 8 is known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The program is federally funded, but administered at the local level by individual states. In Nebraska, HUD and the county housing authority are responsible for accepting applications and determining applicant eligibility. Section 8 housing is offered to Nebraska residents who are of low to moderate income.

The Low income housing list is generated by the Nebraska Housing Authority. The homes and apartments registered on the low income housing list are all participants in the program and will accept the housing vouchers from Section 8 beneficiaries. Low income house rentals are similar to any other housing arrangement, with the owner and tenant agreeing to terms. The owner of the property remains responsible for property maintenance and retains owner rights such as the ability to select who may live on the property and contract terms and termination. Find out more about Nebraska Section 8 housing by continuing to read through the following topics:

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

Learn About Section 8 Requirements in Nebraska

What are the requirements for Section 8 in Nebraska? Section 8 eligibility in Nebraska is dependent on household income. A family must meet the low income guidelines as put forth by the federal government. According to the US government, at least 75 percent of Section 8 funding must go towards families who are considered below the poverty line, or make less than 30 percent of the median income.

Still, many Nebraskans wonder, “Do I qualify for Section 8 housing?” The housing authority in Nebraska will verify a family’s assets, financial status, income, employment, current debts and monthly expenses when making their determinations. Special preference is given to applicants who are considered well below the poverty level, the disabled, the elderly and families with small children. If children are involved, a case worker may be assigned to come to the home for an interview.

So, what are the qualifications for low income housing? The Nebraska Housing Authority expects that an approved family will be able to spend at least 30 percent of their total income on rent. Additionally, petitioners cannot have any prior convictions, felonies or arrests, and household members cannot have a criminal record or be a registered sexual offender.

“What do I need to apply for section 8,” is a commonly asked question by Section 8 applicants. Qualified petitioners must first fill out a Section 8 housing application and gather the required documentation. Necessary documents include proof of citizenship, Nebraska residency, income, social security numbers for all household members, and any other relevant paperwork indicating income, subsidies, or other federal aid received.

Learn How to Apply for Section 8 Housing in Nebraska

Nebraska residents who want to know how to apply for Section 8 housing can do so in a number of ways. Potential applicants can apply in person at the local HUD office where a representative can provide assistance with filling out the forms. Section 8 applicants who have internet access can also submit an online application for low income housing. Online applications are automatically submitted and a confirmation receipt number will be sent immediately. The HUD Section 8 application can also be printed, filled in manually and mailed or delivered in person to the local housing authority. For those who need help knowing how to sign up for Section 8 in the state of Nebraska, there are a number of guides online, or an applicant can make an appointment to speak with a representative at the local office. Applicants needing to register for Section 8 housing program assistance must do so during the open enrollment dates and times specified by the local offices and county branches. Petitioners can check status for Section 8 application submissions either online, by phone, or in person no sooner than 15 days after submission.

Learn About Section 8 Waiting Lists in Nebraska

The low income housing waiting list in Nebraska should be checked regularly as an applicant’s name can shift, or even be removed due to inactivity. Once an applicant has received program qualification confirmation, the applicant’s name will be placed on the Section 8 waiting list. Vouchers are only offered when spaces become available. The Section 8 housing waiting list 2016 will only be open a few days during the year. This year only 750 vouchers were available for distribution.

When will the Nebraska Section 8 waiting lists open again? There is no set time for the waiting list to open again. Vouchers are disbursed based on availability of qualified housing. Once housing becomes available, the waiting list is activated and applicants who qualify are contacted. The Section 8 housing program application waiting list and wait time can be lengthy. Many remain on the list for years before a qualifying home can be found. Check waiting list status for Section 8 in Nebraska often as the list updates weekly.

Learn About Section 8 Denials in Nebraska

A Section 8 denial letter will be mailed to applicants who fail to meet the eligibility requirements. What are the reasons for section 8 denial? Most applicants have issues to verifying income, assets, or household members. Still others may have violated the terms of agreement on a current lease, have been previously evicted from Section 8 housing or have been found to have a criminal background. Reasons for Section 8 housing disqualifications will be listed in the Section 8 denial letter. Applicants who are denied benefits may want to look over the list to see if any of the reasons apply. A Section 8 denial appeal can be initiated if an applicant feels that the ruling was made in error. If an applicant wants to know what to do if Section 8 application was denied, he or she can review the options provided on the denial letter from the state. The letter will explain how to appeal Section 8 denial in Nebraska, and will explain the next steps an applicant can take. Note that applicants who are rejected will have to file an appeal within ten days of receipt of the denial letter.

Website: Local Offices.

State: Nebraska